A talented senior at New Braunfels High School is making waves in the art world with a piece inspired by Norse mythology and environmentalism. 

Helena Dixon was selected for the Youth Art Month Contest, an annual contest that celebrates Youth Art Month (March) with the selection of about 100 pieces of art from across the state. From there a handful of selection could be picked by Governor Greg Abbott to be put on display in the Governor’s Mansion.

Dixon’s artwork, titled Eitr, a term from Norse mythology meaning “poison,” was crafted using acrylic paints over the course of about 10 days.

Dixon said her piece drew inspiration from a massive tree with a serpent at its roots, serving as an allegory for environmental concerns. Dragons have been a consistent theme for Dixon this year, she said. 

“I’ve created so many pieces featuring dragons,” she shared. “I’m a dragon lover, and this year, I wanted to tie that passion into meaningful concepts.” (AlthoughNBISD opened Long Creek High School, along with its mascot which is a Dragon, Dixon’s art has no correlation to the newly-opened school.)

Art teacher Becky McDavitt encouraged Dixon to submit Eitr to the Youth Art Month Art Contest. 

“Mrs. McDavitt asked if I wanted to enter, and I said yes,” she said. “I didn’t expect anything to come of it, so finding out it was selected was pretty cool. It was definitely exciting!”

The recognition is significant, even for McDavitt, who has been teaching for 25 years. This is the first time a piece submitted by one of her students has been selected for this contest. 

“She’s a great teacher,” Dixon said about McDavitt. “She pushes us to try new techniques, like underpainting, which I used for the first time with Eitr.” 

McDavitt said that Dixon is one of the best students that she has ever had the privilege to teach. “Helena is incredibly intelligent and thoughtful. Everything she creates connects art and science in a unique way.”

Eitr will soon be shipped to the Bullock Museum, where it will be displayed as part of Youth Art Month in March. Following that, the governor will then select a handful of pieces to be displayed in his Mansion. 

“I’m really hoping it’s selected by the governor,” Dixon said. “It would be amazing to include that in my college applications!” Dixon hopes to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a career that allows her to blend art and biology.

Dr. Marty Lenard, NBISD’s Director of Fine Arts said that this is quite an achievement. Art teachers from across the state are only allowed to submit one piece of art a year into this competition.

“My guess is less than 1% of submissions are selected to be displayed at the Bullock Museum. This is a huge honor for any artist,” he added.