At 12 years of age, Elena Compton is already an accomplished artist.

In fact, when her work appears in the Kamloops Arts Council Juried Art Show next week, it will be the latest showing in what is already a long career in coloured pencil.

The arts council held a press conference for the show on Tuesday. Elena, a couple of her drawings displayed next to her, explained that she won her first art contest when she was three.  

Since then, her work has appeared in several arts council events, including the Artwalk and last year’s juried show, said Elena.

“I usually do animals,” she said, pointing at the pictures of a wolf and owl beside her. “I love working on the eyes. There’s so many things to do with them.”

Elena is also writing her first book, Kaza Wolf, and drawing all the pictures for it. The story is about a girl who discovers she has the ability to shape shift into a wolf.

Her dad, Matt Compton, and grandparents Carol and Vic Gammer, watched from the front row of the courtroom at the Old Courthouse Gallery on West Seymour Street. At times her grandmother had to prompt the nervous girl about what to say.

Compton said the family is thrilled Elena’s work is once again featured in the art show and sale, which has its official grand opening Friday, Feb. 15 and runs until Feb. 24.

Compton said Elena displayed artistic talent before winning her first contest, which was sponsored by West-Can Auto Parts. She won a tricycle.

“We’re really proud of her,” he said.

Elena’s is among the more than two dozens artists whose work will be featured in the show. Glen Mantie, head of the juried art show committee, said the event is an opportunity for local and fledgling artist to have their art appear, and potentially be sold, in a gallery exhibit.

The jurors are Alan Brandoli, a TRU senior arts lecturer, Kamloops Art Gallery assistant curator Craig Willms, and internationally renowned artist Tricia Sellmer.

Jurors will announce the awards on opening night. First place receives $300, second gets $200 and third place wins $100. A $100 award will also be handed out for people’s choice.

For more information email info@kamloopsarts.ca or phone 250-372-7323.