For one high school senior who has been painting since middle school, the DaVinci Fest has been a place to showcase her success as a young artist.  Senior Emma Mahon has not one impactful win, but two during her high school career. When Mahon was a sophomore, she won grand prize in the art fair category in DaVinci Fest.  This year, she won first place in the category of Senior Division for Painting.

Mahon’s painting is titled “The Invasion of Nanking.”

“I was inspired by a history class I took this year at Century,” Mahon said.

DaVinci Fest is one of the signature events held by the Partnership Plan each year.  According to the Partnership Plan website, “The DaVinci Fest is a celebration of art and science for families across the St. Croix Valley.  What started in 2008 as a simple art and science fair for Stillwater Area High School has since grown into a dynamic showcase of talent and innovation, attracting families from all over the St. Croix Valley.”

The DaVinci Fest has judges that are all volunteers from the community. Many of them have been judging this event for years, and they look forward to coming back annually.

“They often tell me how the works presented inspire them and how this event is a highlight of their winter,” Sara Martin, program and communications manager for DaVinci Fest said.

Vickey Weiss is a local business owner and has lived in the Stillwater area most of her life.  She began as a volunteer for the Partnership Plan, and she was asked many years ago if she would like to be a judge at DaVinci Fest.

“I was really moved by Emma’s piece. The scale of the painting was very impactful, along with the fiery background. The subjects in the piece truly conveyed the stress and struggle of that period of time…and it in a way is mirroring what is happening to women’s rights right now,” Weiss said.

Mohan will be graduating this spring, and she plans to keep painting for fun.

“I plan on getting a history degree,” Mohan said.

The DaVinci Fest accepts art pieces in a number of categories. Elementary art is exhibition only and is submitted by the elementary art teacher. For students in grades 6-12, they can submit art pieces to either be judged or not judged.  There are several categories of art including mixed media, sculpture and ceramics, pastels and drawing, painting, fiber arts, jewelry, photography and digital art.

“I am in awe of the artistic talent across the St. Croix Valley. While it’s a competition with winners, every participating student should be proud of their work. Creating and presenting art to unfamiliar judges takes bravery and a willingness to learn,” Martin said.

“Art is so powerful and important and I was so impressed with Emma’s talent and conviction. She is a brilliant artist, and I think this piece should be in a museum for all to see,” Weiss said.

Planning for next year’s DaVinci Fest is already underway for Jan. 24, 2026.