Shantel Blackston, an 8th grader at Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School, is the grand prize winner of the eleventh annual Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest.

Students from nine northwest Baltimore area schools, grades K through 12, were invited to create artwork showing the significance of the Preakness to Maryland history, while capturing the spirit of Thoroughbred racing. The artwork had to include Preakness related images.

As the winner of “The Jewel”, the best artwork for grades 5 through 12, Blackston receives box seating for four at the Preakness, framed artwork autographed by this year’s Preakness winners, a $250 gift certificate and a presentation ceremony at the winner’s luncheon this afternoon.

“The Junior Jewel”, the best artwork for grades K through 4, went to 3rd grader Jewelian Dove, from Cross Country Elementary School.

Judging was conducted on April 20 by Baltimore City Council neighborhood liaisons Brandon Scott and Betsy Gardner along with the Maryland Jockey Club’s Carrie Everly, Georganne Hale and Kristen Barth.

What is the Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest

Pimlico celebrates children and their love of art and horses by sponsoring a contest among elementary, middle and high school children in the Pimlico-Northwest Baltimore City community, the Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest. Modeled after similar contests in Kentucky for the Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest has generated remarkable works of art from amazingly talented youth in our community.

Each year, children are asked to design an original drawing using whatever materials they choose, featuring the pageantry of the Preakness Stakes. The Maryland Jockey Club donates funds for art supplies to each participating school. First, second and third place is awarded for each grade, with one Grand Prize winner, The Jewel. In 2008, for the first time, an additional prize was added for the younger students, The Junior Jewel. Prize winners have been featured on the Pimlico float in the Preakness Parade, and the winning artwork is displayed at Pimlico. Several of the winning designs are made into "welcome cards" that are displayed in the guest rooms of participating Baltimore hotels in the month of May.

Now in its 10th year, the Contest launched in 2000 when Pimlico partnered with the Northwest Baltimore Corporation (NWBC), a United Way agency whose mission was to promote and assist with positive social and economic change for the residents and the businesses it engaged. The Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest is a source of pride for the schools and the families that participate. By encouraging students to excel and have fun, regardless of their artistic ability, these outstanding young people shine a positive and bright light on the community.