“Forever Young” by Meeri Sandstrom (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Huntsville Museum of Art has selected Olivia Goldston and Meeri Sofia Sandstrom as 2013 blue-ribbon, district finalists with the Visual Arts Achievement (VAA) program.

Alabama State Council on the Arts sponsors the program. Goldston and Sandstrom, both students at Bob Jones High School, received their honor during a reception and gallery opening in the museum’s Great Hall on March 10. The awards ceremony coincides with Youth Art Month.

In addition, Namena Bojang from Bob Jones was recognized as a winner in the Congressional Art Contest. Bojang’s self-portrait will represent Alabama’s 5th Congressional District and hang for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

At Bob Jones, Jennifer Norton is Goldston and Sandstrom’s art teacher.

Olivia Goldston, at right, stands by her self-portrait, “The Geek” with art teacher Jennifer Norton. (CONTRIBUTED)

Goldston entitled her self-portrait, “The Geek.” She used paint for the background and charcoal for the actual portrait features. “I have been drawing since I was one year old, Goldston said. “I really enjoy it.”

Goldston’s favorite piece of art is her Draco Malfoy portrait done in charcoal that she created in art 1 class. Her artwork has earned recognition in the Reflections fine arts program.

At Bob Jones, Goldston is a member of Art Club and Anime Club to further enhance her creative skills. She is a fan of Pokemon. Olivia’s parents Michael and Julie Goldston.

Sandstrom created her self-portrait, “Forever Young,” with coffee, a small amount of paint for the background and charcoal for the portrait.

Surprisingly, Sandstrom has been drawing for only one year. “I was put into art 1 without my choice, but, since, I have started drawing and I love it,” she said. Sandstrom is most fond of her charcoal portrait of Harry Styles, also designed in art I class.

Sandstrom is active in National Art Honor Society, Senior Senate and German Club. She has assisted with costumes for advanced production in the Bob Jones drama department. Merri’s parents are Leif and Minna Sandstrom.