Artwork of Madison Rush selected for Team Kentucky Gallery at Capitol

In an impressive show of talent, the artwork of Madison Rush is on display in the state Capitol in Frankfort! The HLS seventh grader’s work was selected for the Fall 2022 Exhibition of the Governor’s Team Kentucky Art Gallery. 

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear organized the exhibition to showcase Kentuckians’ artistic talents. “The Beshears believe there is no better place than the Capitol to highlight Kentuckians’ voices as represented through art,” a press release from the Governor’s Office said. “This art exhibit is by Kentuckians and for Kentuckians.” 

Madison created her selected watercolor piece during her sixth grade year at Highlands Latin School. It is titled, “O Captain, My Captain,” based on the poem of the same name by Walt Whitman.

The poem is a metaphor representing the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln after the American Civil War. The ship represents America, and the “fearful trip” mentioned in the poem represents the war itself. The captain is Lincoln. 

Madison’s artwork was one of 37 chosen for the exhibit from approximately 200 submissions. It is also exceptional Madison created her piece as a sixth grader, when many of the other chosen artists are professional painters or art teachers. 

“We are so proud of her for her academic, athletic, and artistic achievements,” said her father, Steve Rush. 

All artists are invited to a special reception in Frankfort in December. Until then, Madison’s art is hanging in the Capitol for all to see. Go check it out! And congratulations to Madison for such a distinguished achievement! 

 

 

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