BONNERS FERRY — During the Capital for a Day event, local artist Cason Neal was recognized with his artwork of the Idaho State bird, the Mountain Bluebird, with the Sawtooth Mountains in the background.

Gov. Brad Little publicized on Twitter about his ‘Celebrate the West’ art contest for high school students, resulting in winners receiving cash prizes.

Neal has been an artist for about four years, and after hearing about the contest he decided to enter.

“The main thing that inspired me to be an artist was seeing family members around me who had artistic ability and wanting to have the same ability.” said Neal. “So, I started with pencil drawing and slowly progressed to acrylic painting.”

He has entered his art into the Boundary County Fair, but this is the first time he entered a major contest.

“Soon after hearing of the contest I started on my painting, “Mountain Beauty,” said Neal. “After completing the painting I sent a photo of the painting to the Western Governors’ Association, which is hosting the contest,” said Neal. “A couple weeks later I was informed that my painting had won for the state of Idaho.”

The final judging for the 22 state finalists will bring the governors, cabinet members, and first ladies together to determine a winner on June 12. Following the final judging, Neal’s painting will be displayed in the Idaho Capitol.