Palmer Sisters win best in show for 2023 Alaska State Fair art entries

PALMER — Two sisters from Palmer received Best in Show ribbons for their art entries in the 2023 Alaska State Fair.

15-year-old Kaylee Smith won Best of Show and her sister 11-year-old Alivia Smith won Best of Juniors for the Art Special Awards.

“I was very pleased,” Kaylee said.

This was the second year Kaylee entered her artwork at the Fair. She said that she felt it would be a fun opportunity.

“I thought it would be cool,"

Kaylee said that she left this year’s Fair season inspired after seeing all the different kinds of entries. She said there was a lot of local talent on display which motivates other artists to make more art.

“I loved seeing other people's work," Kaylee said.

Kaylee said that her project for the Fair took about a week to complete. Her entry Rhododendron depicts a detailed image of pink Rhododendron flowers.

“There’s so many fine details I don't know how she has the patience for it,” Rachel said with a laugh.

Kaylee said that she used oil paint for the project and that's her favorite medium to use.

"They're just such a giving paint and it doesn't dry very fast. You can just keep going and going and going," Kaylee said.

Kaylee said that she's enjoyed drawing and painting since she was young. She said that her dream is to teach, travel, and sell her artwork when she graduates from high school. When it comes down to it, she simply enjoys the process of creation from start to finish.

"I get into the art zone and time just seems to freeze. It's pretty awesome," Kaylle said.

Alivia’s entry “Elephant Baby” depicts a cartoony and defined image of a baby elephant with headphones and eyeglasses with a blue background. She said that she loves animals and saw a cute image that inspired her to create an entry for the Fair.

“I was very excited," Alivia said.

Alvia also likes to use oil paint for her art projects. She said that she wants to compete at the Fair again next year because she loves sharing her art with people and much like her sister, she also enjoys the process.

“I really enjoy putting it all together and just doing it,” Alivia said.

Kaylee and Alivia regularly paint together. Kaylee said that she’s impressed with her sister’s abilities and overall progress.

“I'm a very proud big sister. I love seeing her paint and she's doing amazing," Kaylee said.

Rachel said that she’s overjoyed that her children have had the opportunity to get positive praise for their efforts and to be able to witness so much personal growth over the years.

“Every painting is better and better,” Rachel said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com