Local Teen Artist Shines at Herkimer County Fair

Emma Canastar holds up her ribbons and winning entry from this year’s Herkimer County Fair.

By Dave Warner

Little Falls – Emma Canastar, a talented high school student, has claimed both 1st place and Best of Show at this year’s Herkimer County Fair for her remarkable painting.

The young artist, who has been honing her craft since childhood, impressed judges and fairgoers alike with her dedication and creative vision.

“I’ve always been drawing, making paintings, not the best paintings, until now,” Canastar said, reflecting on her lifelong passion for art.

Inspired by family members who are also artists, she recalls being motivated as a young child by watching her grandmother and aunt create. “I see that growing up, and I’m like, hey, I want to paint like Grammy or Aunt Debbie,” she shared.

Canastar’s journey to the fair’s top honors was sparked years ago at her sister Olivia’s birthday party, where a group painting activity opened her eyes to her potential. “I was very young at the time, but I slowly began to realize that I could really make something of the talent that I have,” she said.

That moment fueled her drive to take her art more seriously, leading her to enroll in advanced art classes in high school, including studio art and college-level drawing and painting courses.

This year’s winning piece, which took a month to complete, was a labor of love that Canastar finished just days before the fair. “I decided I would spend more time on one painting, rather than multiple,” she explained, noting that she even brought the canvas camping to meet the deadline.

Her effort paid off when she learned she had won both 1st place and Best of Show. “Walking up and seeing it, it really made me realize people really enjoy my art,” she said, describing the emotional moment.

Canastar’s ambitions don’t stop at the county fair. Inspired by a scene from her favorite movie Avatar, she is now working on a series of paintings featuring four characters. “I’m working on the second one right now, and it’s like a quarter of the way done,” she said.

She plans to showcase the series at her school’s art show during voting season, with hopes of gaining approval from her art teachers to display all four pieces.

With her sights set on the future, Canastar is considering a path that blends her artistic talent with her education. Initially interested in the medical field, she now sees art as a potential career. “Now that I’ve noticed that people have taken an interest in my art, I’m thinking maybe I can put more art classes into my life to maybe go to an arts college once I graduate,” she said.

Canastar’s grandmother, a regular participant in the fair, has been a significant influence and supporter of her work.

As Canastar continues to develop her skills and pursue her passion, her achievements at the Herkimer County Fair mark a promising milestone in her artistic journey.

Emma Canastar is a Sophomore at Little Falls High School, where she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the Little Falls Drama Club. She is also an intern for The Creative Outpost and a monthly contributor to The Daily Post.