The Big Rock Kids Tournament & The Arts Council of Carteret County are pleased to announce that Emma Rodelsperger’s “Lookout Billfish” is the winner of the annual Jr. Art Contest! The art contest received 115 submissions from 8 states and 7 countries.
Emma, age 13, is a Charleston, South Carolina native. She enjoys painting scenes of the saltwater marshes, birds and fish she sees in the lowcountry. To view more of her work, visit her Instagram page @erodels_art.
Emma’s older sister, Allie, was the 2022 Big Rock Kids featured artist. Emma, Allie, and their family attended the Big Rock Tournament and participated in the 2nd Annual Big Rock Kids Tournament. Emma gained inspiration from competing in the tournament and witnessing Allie release her first Blue Marlin aboard the MISS WY.
After the tournament, Emma designed the illustration on her I-Pad, keeping in mind what details would look good on the tournament t-shirt. Once selecting an eye-catching color palette, Emma took her design to canvas and “Lookout Billfish” was born. The piece is 16”x20” acrylic on canvas. Emma stated the title “Lookout Billfish” is a play on words, incorporating Cape Lookout and that marlin should be on the lookout for the sportfishers after a big catch!
Emma’s art will be featured on the 3rd Annual Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament T-Shirt coming Spring of 2023, and will receive a $500 prize for her masterpiece. “Lookout Billfish” will be up for auction at the Big Rock Kids awards Banquet on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plains which serves nearly 1,300 children.
In addition to Emma’s painting, three additional pieces were selected as honorable mentions. Two of the pieces came from Jody Stouffer’s art class at Croatan High School. Trammell’s “Big Rock” shows a sportfisher heading out to fish in the early morning sunrise. Lee’s “Big Rock Sunset” features the charter fleet on the Morehead City waterfront. Luna P., age 9, created “Splash” a unique seashell mosaic featuring a marlin jumping.
The Big Rock Kids & The Arts Council of Carteret County would like to extend appreciation to the Jr. Artists that submitted a piece, and the parents, teachers, and friends that encouraged the young artists to participate. Submissions will be displayed at the Carolina Artist Gallery Student Show from April 17th – May 13th, 2023, for more information visit www.artscouncilcarteret.org.
