Bridgeland High School freshman Emma Cardenas poses in front of the Precinct 4 bus that features her artwork outside of the school on March 7. Cardenas’ artwork is the first winner in Precinct 4’s bus design contest “From Palette to Pavement: Student Art on Precinct 4 Buses.”
March 20, 2024—Bridgeland High School freshman Emma Cardenas’ artwork was chosen as the first winner in Precinct 4’s bus design contest “From Palette to Pavement: Student Art on Precinct 4 Buses.”
Cardenas was surprised with the bus featuring her design on March 7 outside of the school. Also in on the surprise were her family and fellow Bridgeland art students, who were joined outside by school staff members.
“When I walked out and saw my design on the bus I thought, ‘Oh wow, that’s so cool!’” Cardenas said. “Knowing that my artwork will be seen by tons of people stirs up a lot of different emotions, but mainly excitement.”
Bridgeland High School freshman Emma Cardenas, left, was surprised on March 7 outside of the school with the Precinct 4 bus featuring her artwork. Her sister, Bridgeland High School junior Alexandra Cardenas, helped unveil the surprise.
Cardenas’ work reflects the contest’s theme “The History of and Unity in Harris County.” Her design features birds local to Harris County, along with bluebonnets, hands that represent unity and the Houston skyline. In addition to CFISD, the contest was open to students within Alief, Houston, Katy, Spring Branch, Waller and Tomball school districts.
“On behalf of the CFISD visual arts program we are thrilled to have Emma Cardenas’ artwork selected by Precinct 4 for the bus wrap competition,” said Lee Carrier, visual arts coordinator. “Emma’s artistic vision authentically reflects the spirit of the CFISD community. This recognition not only validates Emma’s talent, but also underscores the importance of supporting young artists. Special gratitude extends to Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, Emma’s art teacher Brad Conklin and his colleagues, as well as the Bridgeland High School community for their unwavering support in nurturing creativity.”
Cardenas saw the contest as a way to start building her art portfolio and resume. She would like to pursue art and animation in the future.
Cardenas' artwork follows the contest’s theme “The History of and Unity in Harris County.” Her piece features birds located in Harris County, bluebonnets, hands representing unity and the Houston skyline.
“We’re very proud of Emma and her artwork,” said Mike Smith, Bridgeland principal. “She has so much talent, and Bridgeland High School is proud to share in this accomplishment.”
The buses serve community members within Precinct 4, especially senior citizens. Buses offer free day trips to recreational and educational activities and during critical times, provide transportation for emergency supplies and residents in need.
The art contest is ongoing and winners from different school districts will be selected and announced on a rolling basis.
