Igniting Inspiration
- Juanita Tatum
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Giada is a 16 year old artist that has participated in many Art Battles. She started when she was 14. Saturday night she put her name in the hat as a “Wild card”. That means we had an open easel and the audience has a chance to compete to win. Giada’s name was chosen. She was painting a tree and a campfire. As I watched her add the orange to the tree, I thought she was “lighting it on fire”. I was horrified. I told her that after the round and then she made it to the final round!
She then proceeded to paint a forest fire. After each round the artists are asked “Why did you paint what you painted.” Giada told the crowd that I inspired her. At first my heart hurt. Then she told me not to worry because the trees were fireproof. After looking at the painting from across the room, I realized it looked like the painting was on fire. The fact that she was able to depict that in a 20 minute painting was incredible.
And then….she won! She was crowned the champion of the night. She won a beautiful award sponsored by Lisa and Craig from 47th Parellel, $100 and she will go on to our state competition in the fall.
Please see the link below with the final Art Battle results. I have also included the photos here. The top photo is the one that won her the championship. The one I inspired.
The 2nd painting is by our state champion from 2024 that made it to the final round at nationals.
Adam Turner Visuals 2024 Minnesota State Champion
If you scroll down under “other paintings by artist” the 1st one is the one that I thought she lite on fire.
Giada's round 1 painting as a wild card March 2025
What I really want you to take notice of though is the other paintings she has done over the years.
This kid shows up at almost every art battle, ready to step in if there is an empty spot, always willing to help, always smiling. Somewhere along the way she grew up, honed her skills and took the championship of the night. I know I’m not the reason that she won, but I’m glad I inspired her. What she doesn’t know yet is that she lite a fire in me.
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