Hanover elementary student puts her creativity on display as ‘America’s Most Artistic Kid’

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Hanover elementary student is using her creativity — to help other kids fight cancer.

Eight-year-old Jennifer Edmonds has been working through the competition rounds for Bob Ross Presents: America's Most Artistic Kid, a national competition celebrating creativity, originality, and artistic expression in children across the United States. 

The winner will have their artwork displayed in the Minnetrista museum in Indianapolis and appear on a special episode of “the joy of painting” with actor David Arquette. Not to mention the prize of $20,000.

Edmonds' mother Isabel said this was made for Jennifer.

“She's been creating her whole entire life,” said Edmonds. “One of the biggest things I can remember is she created a realistic looking bathroom for her Barbie dolls and did it all by herself with duct tape and cardboard.”

The national competition also supports Blood Cancer United, helping families affected by blood cancers.

So far, Edmonds has made it through five rounds of the competition and is looking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Her mother Isabel said she's an imaginative young girl who always manages to turn something ordinary into extraordinary.

“I like making clothes. I like painting. And I also like making bracelets,” said Jennifer. “I can just describe myself by drawing stuff on paper.”

Win or lose Edmonds hopes her daughter takes valuable life lessons from the experience.

“[I want her] to always push for what she believes in, to push for furthering herself. To continue her passions, no matter where that leads,” Edmonds said.

April 9 is the last day to vote for Jennifer to advance to the next round of the competition.