Eagan Student's Butterfly Painting Wins Statewide Acclaim

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Eagan artist Sky Waters can add another plaque to his trophy case.

In a surprise announcement at his school, , Waters was selected as the grand prize winner out of 571 entrants in the Minnesota Endangered Species Art Contest.

It's the latest in a , who broke out earlier this year after placing third in the 2012 U.S. Aviation Art Contest in Washington D.C.

Waters, with the help of his parents, entered a handful of state and national art contests earlier this year, including the Endangered Species Art Contest, which is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

As part of the contest, entrants are required to depict one of the 11 endangered or threatened species endemic to Minnesota. Waters chose the Karner Blue Butterfly—and created a vibrant image of the butterfly near its preferred diet, the wild lupine plant. The portrait took Waters several days to complete.

A series of five judges evaluated Waters painting, along with the hundreds of other submissions to the contest. They examined the painting's composition, color, concept and expression, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Supervisor Tony Sullins.

Waters chose to paint the Karner Blue because he liked the color and felt they were particularly beautiful, he said. For his work, Waters won $250 and the opportunity to have his piece displayed around the state. Waters isn't sure what he'll do with his winnings yet, but may save the money for a rainy day.

"It's been a grand-slam year for him and we're just thankful for the opportunity," said Dale Waters, Sky's father.