Suwannee Middle School (SMS) eighth grader Taylor Paramore’s artwork is one of the select few pieces of art that lines the walls of the Lower Level of the Florida State Capitol as part of the Second Annual Art in the Capitol Competition.

Paramore won the Art in the Capitol contest for Suwannee County and now her artwork is on display in the state capitol.

According to a press release put out by the Florida Department of Management Services, “The competition is aimed at encouraging middle school students to try their hand at art, and this year’s Capitol display includes works from 35 students in grades 6 through 8. Competition criteria requires each piece to be two-dimensional and be original in concept, design, and execution. Winners were selected by a committee consisting of high school art teachers, and each student paired up with a legislative member to sponsor the artwork to be displayed during session.”

Paramore and her SMS art teacher, Melissa Cameron, went to the state capitol to view her artwork on February 2, 2018. Paramore’s artwork is on display by Florida State Representative Elizabeth Porter’s office. Paramore and Cameron also were able to attend a portion of a legislative session.

“There are many talented students throughout the state of Florida, and the Art in the Capitol Competition is a wonderful way to recognize their creativity and artistic ability,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “I look forward to admiring the students’ work, and I am pleased that visitors to the State Capitol will have the opportunity to enjoy student artwork.”