LAGUNA HILLS : Student Artists Win Scholarships

Cyndee Axtell, a junior at Laguna Hills High School who had never taken an art class before this year, has been recognized by the Niguel Art Assn. as an outstanding student artist.

One of her works of art hangs in a Dana Point art gallery after it won first place in the association’s annual scholarship competition last month.

The association awarded Cyndee, 17, $700 for her realistic watercolor portrait. The portrait depicts a woman wading across a river as a sleeping baby rests on her back.

The second-place winner, who received $500, was Dana Hills High senior David Layne, who took top prize in last year’s competition. The third-place prize of $300 went to Laguna Hills High student Adam Franks.

“Their work is really good,” said Larry Barber, the association’s scholarship chairman. The scholarships are meant to encourage young artists to continue their creative expression, which association members say teen-agers often suppress so that they may devote attention to academic subjects.

The winners’ artworks were chosen from 53 entries and are on display until June 17 at the association’s gallery at 24981 Dana Point Harbor Drive. The gallery is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon until 6 p.m. and from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.