Locals rally to send young artist to Carnegie Hall

Art has been a part of Carly Gascon's life since she was very young.

"As long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and paint," said the Sisters High School senior and 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing Award winner.

Her parents, Scott and Carissa Gascon, saw her talent and have encouraged her to pursue her interests in the arts.

"I admit I am biased," said Scott, "but I've always felt like she's had a special gift."

And now, more than just mom and dad are in agreement.

Since 1923, the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers has been recognizing gifted artists and writers. This year, out of nearly 320,000 submissions of art and writing, Carly's American Visions Medal for her piece, "You're Not A Good Artist, Adolf," places her in the top one percent.

"I still can't believe it. It hasn't really sunk in," said Carly when asked about her reaction to receiving this award. "I just feel so honored and fortunate to live in a community and go to a school where there is so much support for the arts."

Carly and her parents are invited to participate in a ceremony in New York City and see her piece on display in Carnegie Hall. To be there would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"There are so many exciting opportunities for kids to participate in, and it's hard having to say no," said Carissa. "This time, we knew we had to say yes and figure out a way to make it happen."

The family is asking for people to join them in helping make this dream a reality by donating to their "GoFundMe" account http://gofundme.com/e2wrqn38. Friends and family have already jumped in to help them reach their goal of $5,000.

Moving here in 2009, Scott and Carissa decided to make it work in Sisters to provide both daughters, Carly and Shae, grade 10, the best opportunities possible to pursue their passion and growing talent in the arts. And that is just what Carly has done. Over her four years at SHS, she has taken every art class her schedule would allow including advanced art, ceramics class, as well as multiple choirs, Jazz Choir, Concert Choir, the Americana Project, along with being one of the leads in the school musical "Urinetown."

"I love taking all the art classes and having such a good relationship with my art teacher (Bethany Gunnerson) who really cares about me and my work," Carly said. "It's so incredible being at a school where I always have supplies to do the projects that I want."

When asked about what she wants to do after graduation, she says she wants to continue with her art, but has doubts about whether a career in the field can really happen.

"Receiving this award in New York makes me think that maybe my dream to be an artist can come true," she said.