Placerville, CA – May 4, 2024. In a celebration of youthful creativity and community spirit, four exceptional high school seniors were honored with the 2024 Young Artist Awards. The ceremony, hosted at the Switchboard Gallery of Arts and Culture El Dorado on 525 Main Street, Placerville, served not only to recognize emerging talent but also to pay homage to the enduring legacy of four cherished patrons of the arts within El Dorado County.
The event, which took place on Thursday, April 25, commemorated the lives of four individuals whose unwavering support breathed life into the local artistic community. Their legacy embodies the very essence of talent, generosity, and dedication that enriches the cultural fabric of El Dorado County, rendering it a beacon of artistic expression and creativity.
The Young Artist Awards, now in its third year, spanned four categories, each representing a distinct facet of artistic endeavor: the Richard H. Bush Award for Music, the Joey Cattone Award for Visual Art, the Lanny Langston Award for Theater, and the Jane Van Camp Award for Nature-Inspired Art. Each recipient of these esteemed accolades was granted a $500 honorarium.
Program coordinator Jordan Hyatt-Miller expressed profound appreciation for the burgeoning influence of the awards program. “This year, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented surge in nominations from teachers across numerous schools. It is a testament not only to the program’s growth but also to the remarkable talent and creativity that thrives within the youth of El Dorado County. We are honored to champion and nurture the artistic aspirations of our community’s young talents,” remarked Hyatt-Miller.
Among the distinguished awardees was Adrianna Vasquez, a senior from Oak Ridge High School, who clinched the 2024 Richard H. Bush Award for Music. Endorsed by Paul, Maggie, and Leslie Bush, Adrianna’s prowess as a percussionist, particularly her leadership within the ensemble, earned her well-deserved recognition. Adrianna’s future path is set on pursuing a degree in Music Education at Arizona State University, a testament to her dedication to both her craft and the broader community. 
Luci Padilla, a senior from Ponderosa High School, was the recipient of the 2024 Joey Cattone Award for Visual Art, presented by Dan Cattone. Renowned for her originality and willingness to push creative boundaries, Luci’s artistic flair and leadership qualities set her apart. Jennifer Schrock, who nominated Luci, attested to her remarkable creativity, perseverance, and technical prowess in the realm of art. 
Chloe Olney, a senior from Union Mine High School, received the 2024 Lanny Langston Award for Theater from Tish Langston. Described as a “creative genius” by her nominator Heather Freer, Chloe’s contribution as a stage manager has been instrumental in bringing Theatre at the Mine productions to life. Her multifaceted skills in set design, lighting coordination, and problem-solving underscore her pivotal role within the theater community.
Nia Henderson, a senior from El Dorado High School, clinched the 2024 Jane Van Camp Award for Nature-Inspired Art, bestowed by Tiffany Van Camp. Nia’s artistic prowess transcends conventional boundaries, as evidenced by her multifaceted contributions to both the artistic and academic spheres. Krista Potter, Nia’s nominator, lauded her not only for her artistic excellence but also for her leadership and community engagement, which have left an indelible mark on both campus and community. 
The Young Artist Awards, an annual affair, stand as a beacon of promise for future generations, perpetuating the legacy of those who paved the way before them.
Arts and Culture El Dorado serves as a pivotal force for good throughout the region, acting as the State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council while spearheading targeted programs and services. Established in 1984 as El Dorado Arts Council, the organization remains committed to fostering cultural enrichment and engagement among veterans, students, families, artists, and residents alike. Tax-deductible contributions in support of their endeavors can be made at https://artsandcultureeldorado.org.
