Fifth-graders' artwork heads to Harry Reid Airport billboard

Gene Ward Elementary student Aitiana Guerrero wins school-wide art contest

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:22pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a Nevada desert tortoise repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the creative energy and artistic expression of young students.A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the artistic talents of young Nevada students whose winning artwork will be showcased at the state's largest airport.Las Vegas Today

A fifth-grade student at Gene Ward Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aitiana Guerrero, has won her school's annual art contest. Her winning artwork, created around the theme 'Nevada Wildlife and Year of the Horse', will be featured on a billboard at Harry Reid International Airport.

Why it matters

The annual art contest at Gene Ward Elementary School celebrates student creativity and artistic talent. Having the winning artwork displayed at a prominent location like the airport helps showcase the skills of young local artists and promotes arts education in the community.

The details

Aitiana Guerrero's artwork was selected as the winner after the entire student body at Gene Ward Elementary voted on entries submitted by students in grades 3 through 5. Her winning piece will be featured on a Connell Outdoor Advertising billboard at Harry Reid International Airport near the southeast corner of Russell Road and the Airport Connector, at no cost to the student or the school.

  • The art contest was held at Gene Ward Elementary School this year.
  • Aitiana Guerrero's winning artwork will be displayed on the airport billboard starting in the coming weeks.

The players

Aitiana Guerrero

A fifth-grade student at Gene Ward Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada, who won the school's annual art contest with her artwork themed 'Nevada Wildlife and Year of the Horse'.

Gene Ward Elementary School

A public elementary school in Las Vegas, Nevada, that holds an annual art contest for students in grades 3 through 5.

Jim Gibson

A Clark County Commissioner who celebrated the winner of the Gene Ward Elementary art contest during a grand reveal ceremony.

Connell Outdoor Advertising

The company that will feature Aitiana Guerrero's winning artwork on a billboard at Harry Reid International Airport.

Harry Reid International Airport

The airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Aitiana Guerrero's winning artwork will be displayed on a billboard.

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What they’re saying

“The annual art contest at Gene Ward Elementary School celebrates student creativity and artistic talent. Having the winning artwork displayed at a prominent location like the airport helps showcase the skills of young local artists and promotes arts education in the community.”

— Jim Gibson, Clark County Commissioner

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of nurturing and celebrating the artistic talents of young students in the local community. The display of the winning artwork at the airport will inspire other students to explore their creative abilities and showcase their work.