Pender County Schools is proud to celebrate the artistic achievements of sophomore Esme Burnau, who has earned both a Silver Key and an Honorable Mention in the Eastern North Carolina Region Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. These awards recognize excellence in creativity and originality among young artists and writers, making Esme’s accomplishments even more impressive given the highly competitive nature of this year’s competition.
Esme’s award-winning acrylic paintings, Roots and Spectacle, showcase her talent for combining artistic expression with meaningful storytelling. She is the only student from Topsail High School to receive recognition this year, and her work will be displayed alongside other regional winners next month at East Carolina University (ECU).
About the Artwork:
Roots
“This painting depicts the impact of family on an individual's overall being. A family tree is seen enveloped in paintings of various ancestors, where the roots seep deep into the ‘womb’ of the Earth, producing an unborn infant still attached by the cord,” Esme explains. Her work artfully portrays the interconnectedness of family and identity, blending symbolism and emotion into a powerful visual narrative.
Spectacle
Inspired by the social issue of harassment, Spectacle tells a different story. “This painting depicts a woman walking across a stage (as one would do daily on a street), being pointed and jeered at by an audience of men. A hand is controlling her movements, as little can be done in retaliation to this treatment,” Esme shares. The piece speaks to societal power dynamics and the challenges many face in combating mistreatment.
Topsail High School commends Esme for her incredible achievements and her ability to use art as a platform for thought-provoking dialogue. We encourage our community to visit ECU next month to view her work and support all the talented regional artists.
Congratulations, Esme! Your creativity and passion are an inspiration to us all.
