Sussex Academy students Leah Cooper and Bella Burgett won first place and honorable mention ribbons, respectively, in the teen competition part of the Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition.

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ 15th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition showcases the artistic talents of state employees and their immediate family members.

Sussex Academy visual art teacher Rebecca Frankum said both students pursue art with an independent focus and drive.

“Leah always has her sketchbook on hand,” Frankum said. “In any spare moments, she will work on her current colored pencil drawing. Her dedication to her practice is evident in the vibrant, realistic works she creates.”

Burgett also loves to paint and create on unusual surfaces such as old vinyl records, Frankum said.

“She celebrates the iconography of pop culture and character, imbuing them with her own perspective,” Frankum said. “Bella is not just an artist, but an entrepreneur who sells her works at events such as this year's Hawk Con.”

The exhibition was held at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover.

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown.