The Washington Apple Education Foundation announced in a news release the winners of the 2023 Year of the Apple Art Contest sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. 

Cashmere High School junior Mykla Smith of Cashmere is the grand prize winner in the 28th annual contest. She received a check for $1,000 for her watercolor painting titled “Apples at Sunset.” Her artwork will be published on the annual Corteva Agriscience poster calendar.

Grand prize winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, "Apples at Sunset" by Mykla Smith of Cashmere. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)
Grand prize winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, “Apples at Sunset” by Mykla Smith of Cashmere. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)

Sterling Junior High School freshman Lucy Korzh of East Wenatchee was awarded second place and a $500 check. Her artwork, titled “Apples for Mom,” was created with gouache paint. 

Second place winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, "Apples for Mom" by Lucy Korzh of East Wenatchee. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)
Second place winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, “Apples for Mom” by Lucy Korzh of East Wenatchee. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)

A.C. Davis High School senior Marlene Martinez of Yakima took third place and a $250 check. Her artwork, titled “Crimson Valley,” was created with oil pastels. 

Third place winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, "Crimson Valley" by Marlene Martinez of Yakima. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)
Third place winner of the 2023 Washington Apple Education Foundation Year of the Apple Art Contest, “Crimson Valley” by Marlene Martinez of Yakima. (Courtesy Washington Apple Education Foundation)

Washington students in grades 9–12 submitted 44 artwork pieces this year, and contest judges Laverne Bergstrom, Lars Hakensen and Todd Fryhover selected the winning entries. Each student’s art department also received a $150 gift card to purchase classroom art supplies.

“Every year, these students submit amazing artwork that fully represents our tree fruit industry. We at Corteva are proud to sponsor and publish the grand prize winner,” said Dan Snipes of Corteva Agriscience. 

To receive a copy of the calendar in the mail, contact the WAEF office at 509-663-7713.

by Jonelle Mejica