The Floridant - Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Winners of the 2023 Florida Space Art Contest for K–5 Students

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the 12 finalists, one recipient of the first-of-its-kind Romero Britto Award, and two grand prize winners for the 2023 Florida Space Art Contest.

The contest invited students in grades K–5 to create an art piece inspired by the theme Time Travel to 2123: Florida's Future as the Space Capital. Over 4,000 entries were received from talented young artists and visionaries across the state.

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez said, "I am pleased to announce this year's Space Art Contest winners. Thank you to the over 1,500 students who participated in the 2023 Florida Space Art Contest. Their passion for space and art is evident in their truly unique and creative submissions."

Renowned artist Mr. Romero Britto was also invited to participate in this project related to art, culture, and education. He said he was "honored to be a source of inspiration to young artists and can't wait to meet the winners!"

The Department of State's Division of Arts and Culture reviewed all artwork received and selected the top 60 entries. The Lieutenant Governor then selected 12 finalists, one recipient of the Romero Britto Award, and two grand prize winners.

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The 12 finalists are Thomas Faye (kindergarten student at Florida Virtual School in Martin County), Kolton James King (kindergarten student at Madison Creative Arts Academy in Madison County), Ripley Moore (first grade student at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy in Brevard County), Vivian Shafer (first grade student at Palmer Catholic Academy in St. Johns County), Rafael Kleiman (second grade student at True North Classical Academy Dadeland in Miami-Dade County), Sophia Gomez DaSilva (second grade student at Calusa Elementary School in Miami-Dade County), Zoey Ge (third grade student at Everglades Elementary School in Broward County), Sara Gavidia Prado (third grade student at Hialeah Gardens Elementary School in Miami-Dade County), Cameron Shapiro (fourth grade student at Boyette Springs Elementary School in Hillsborough County), Ailynn Chen (fourth grade student at Windermere Preparatory School in Orange County), Catherine Dajui (fifth grade student at Royal Palm Elementary in Miami-Dade County) and Ankie Shi (fifth grade student at Spirit Elementary School in Volusia County).

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Chloe Barry, a fifth grader from Palmer Catholic Academy was awarded with the first-of-its-kind Romero Britto Award for capturing his colorful spirit of work. All finalists and award recipient will receive two tickets to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as well as an opportunity to participate on a future project with Mr. Britto himself.

The two grand prize winners are Rafael Kleiman from True North Classical Academy Dadeland and Ailynn Chen from Windermere Preparatory School who will have their original art pieces flown into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission targeted for this year!

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez congratulated them saying "I look forward to recognizing your creativity and imagination in the near future."

The artwork of all finalists can be seen on FloridaSpaceArt.com website along with thanks given by Lieutenant Governor Nuñez for sponsors such as SpaceX, Space Florida, Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, and Florida Department of Education for their contributions towards this contest.

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