THURSDAY, May 7, 2026 |
Photo – Kelia McCuddy and her artwork submission – Courtesy Kelia McCuddy
A local artist is competing in a national art contest presented by Johnny Depp.
Carbon County Museum Education and Outreach Manager Kelia McCuddy is taking part in the 2026 People’s Artist competition. The contest, presented by actor Johnny Depp, is decided through a public vote that selects one artist for a $25,000 award, a feature spot in Artforum magazine, and an exhibition at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles, California.
Kelia McCuddy submitted a ballpoint‑pen drawing of an alligator skull with a bonsai tree growing from the snout, a piece she calls Spirit of the Swamp. While she chose to showcase her pen work in the People’s Artist competition, McCuddy said she also practices a wide range of techniques.
McCuddy said she developed her love of art from the grandmother on her father’s side. During visits, her grandmother would always ask her to draw a picture.
McCuddy has won awards for her art, which she describes as borderline surrealism centered on realistic depictions of skulls and hearts. A piece she entered in last year’s Carbon County Fair was awarded best in show.
The People’s Artist competition, presented by actor Johnny Depp, is a national fundraising contest where artists submit their works to move through elimination rounds determined by online voting. One free vote is available each day, and additional votes can be cast by donating to The Art of Elysium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports people facing serious health, economic, or emotional difficulties. The winner receives a $25,000 prize, a feature in Artforum magazine, and has their work displayed in The Art of Elysium’s Los Angeles studio.
McCuddy said she saw advertisements for the 2026 People’s Artist competition while browsing social media and chose to enter her ballpoint pen on card stock drawing, Spirit of the Swamp.
As of this report, McCuddy is second in her group of 40 artists. After another seven days of voting, the top 20 artists will move on to the next phase of the competition.
A link to vote for McCuddy’s People’s Artist submission will be included in this story when it is posted to Bigfoot99.com.
McCuddy also displays her art on Instagram under the username mccuddlesandwhimsey.
Vote for Kelia McCuddy: Kelia McCuddy | The People’s Artist presented by Johnny Depp
