Mariel Broussard, center, a Bob Jones High School sophomore, is congratulated at the State Superintendent's Juried Visual Arts Exhibit by Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice and Bob Jones art teacher Elizabeth Vaughn.

Artwork by Mariel Broussard was recognized in the annual State Superintendent’s Juried Visual Arts Exhibit.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice congratulated Broussard, a sophomore at Bob Jones High School, and other award winners, their teachers and parents at a luncheon in Montgomery on Feb. 9.

Broussard’s artwork was displayed in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol. Bice presented an honorable mention certificate to Broussard.

“Mariel’s still life was done in charcoal,” Bob Jones art teacher Elizabeth Vaughn said. “She drew objects in high contrast with bright highlights and very dark shadows to add a dramatic effect to the piece.”

The show was based on grade level, and Broussard’s work was entered in grade 9-10 division. “The state has arts council members that select the winning artwork,” Vaughn said.

At first, Broussard did not realize “what a big deal” her selection was, Vaughn said. “The following day, Mariel heard her name over the intercom during announcements and started realizing how important it was.”

Initially, Broussard registered for art at Bob Jones to fulfill a fine arts credit to graduate and for her natural inclination for art. Since then, she has signed up for two additional classes. Foreshadowing her recent exhibit, Broussard’s drawing of the moon was published in her fourth-grade yearbook.

“Mariel enjoys color more than anything else,” Vaughn said. “She excels in pastels and is interested in exploring wet mediums like paint.”

At Bob Jones, Broussard holds membership in Junior Civitan, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Spanish Club. “Mariel looks forward to the potential to earning more honors through Bob Jones,” Vaughn said.

Mariel’s parents are Rob and Cathie Broussard. He is district attorney of Madison County, and she works as an oncology nurse at Clearview Cancer Institute.

The superintendent’s art exhibit will be open in Montgomery through Feb. 22.