Mountain View High School student wins state art contest, heads to regional competition

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Presley Abell, a student at Mountain View High School, has won the state-level “Celebrate the West” art competition. She is now competing against winners from 20 other states for regional recognition, with the People's Choice poll closing May 22.

You can vote in the competition here.

Abell's winning painting is titled “The Sun Always Sets in the West.” The artwork features a scenic depiction of Smith Rock State Park. The “Celebrate the West” competition challenges high school students to create original work inspired by their state or otherwise evocative of the West.

Abell stated in her submission that Smith Rock State Park sparked her love for the outdoors and the West. Voting for the People's Choice Award is currently open on the Western Governors Association website.

The competition seeks to inspire students to engage with their state's unique characteristics and the broader Western region through art.

The announcement of overall first, second and third place winners, the People's Choice Award and the Chairman's Award for Outstanding High School Art Educator will occur on May 29, 2026. The overall winners and People's Choice selections will be displayed at the Western Governors Association Annual Meeting in June 2026.