Two talented students from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus have been recognized for their exceptional artwork in the 2025 Mississippi Community College Art Instructors Association (MCCAIA) Annual State Art Competition and Exhibition.

Emma King earned first place in the Digital Art category for her Adobe Illustrator rendering of her dog, “Checkers”, while Ciara Ano received third place in the Drawing category for her pastel still life piece. Ciara is no stranger to success in this prestigious competition—she also won first place in the 2D Design category last year, making her a multi-award-winning artist during her time at MGCCC.

King said winning the contest was bittersweet. “Winning this competition has a special place in my heart because soon after sending the piece off to the competition, Checkers sadly passed away. I was grieving for a while, and after learning the picture of him won first place, it made me happy knowing that he will be remembered like this.”

She added that perseverance is key to completing anything, especially in the world of art. “Keep going even though it feels like you can’t. Even though it feels like the world is ending, it isn’t, and you can do it. You’re stronger than you think.”

The MCCAIA Annual State Art Competition is one of the most competitive collegiate-level art contests in Mississippi, open to full-time students at all 15 community colleges in the state. Each school selects its best student works from a pool of hundreds of students and thousands of projects, with approximately 200 pieces showcased in the final exhibition.

“We are incredibly proud of Emma and Ciara for their outstanding achievements,” Marc Poole, MGCCC Art Instructor and Art Gallery Director. “Their dedication and creativity exemplify the incredible talent we foster at MGCCC. Winning at this level is a testament to their skill, hard work, and passion for the arts.”

Emma King will be continuing her education at the University of South Alabama, where she will double-major in Animation and Communication. Meanwhile, Ciara Ano plans to transfer to Mississippi State University next year to pursue a degree in Interior Design.

“MGCCC continues to be a leading force in arts education, helping students develop their creative talents and achieve state-wide recognition,” Poole continued. “The college is proud to celebrate these young artists and their success at this prestigious competition.”