Mallory is a beginner artist. She has participated in sculpture competitions before, but this is her first time publicizing 2D art.

"I entered in this after I saw it on social media and am so glad I did. The experience was amazing. I loved the painting itself, but I also greatly enjoyed the other artists and viewing their art. Everyone was incredibly friendly and talented. I painted a pelican, which is a native bird to Sarasota, perched on the root of a mangrove tree. Behind the mangroves there is a sunset."