A sculpture in memory of a local artist is another step closer to making its debut appearance at the International Falls Public Library.

Two winners of an art contest held for area schools will have their drawings come to life in a sculpture that will be built to remember Cathy Johnson, a member of the Northland Art Society, who died suddenly in September of 2010.

“This contest was for Cathy,” said Denise Kulig, NAS committee member.

One of Johnson’s passions was getting young people involved with art. A fundraiser was held last year to generate money to promote art among the community’s young people.

Kulig said a group of committee members felt a contest asking local students in grades 4-12 to draw their favorite thing of summer would be appropriate in Johnson’s memory.

“She loved summertime,” Kulig said of Johnson.

Kulig added that Johnson’s son, Eric, wanted the money raised by his mom’s fundraiser to be transformed in a way for people to enjoy art.

About 50 entries were submitted by students with a first place tie going to Kenzie Wenberg, sixth grade and Jessica Kulig, fourth grade. The second place winner was an 11th grade student who wished to remain anonymous and the third place winner was Chloe Patch, fourth grade.

Denise Kulig said the two winning entries will be combined into a sculpture located at the library.

“We want the winners to help with the construction of the sculpture in some way,” she said. “Maybe it’ll just be painting it, but we want to keep them involved.”

The art society will seek bids for a local artist to construct the sculpture and Kulig said she hopes it’ll be ready for the community to enjoy sometime this fall.

“I think people will appreciate the artwork and be inspired that young kids helped create this,” she said.

Kulig said NAS hopes to make the contest an annual project for local students, but is unsure if it’ll always be in Johnson’s memory.

“We’re hoping other local businesses will help us fund the promotion of art among our youth,” she said. “If there are people who want us to raise money, I’ll continue to do the work behind this.”