A 15-year-old Chantilly youth is flying high in the art world, while doing her part to promote inclusivity in the world of aviation and aerospace.
Lalitha Kuchipudi recently earned first place in the Senior category (ages 14-17) of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) Young Artists Contest.
Kuchipudi advanced to the international competition after winning her age category in a state competition sponsored by the Virginia Department of Aviation, then finishing second at the national contest hosted by the National Aeronautic Association.
Reflecting this year’s theme “Women with Wings,” her drawing depicts a young girl dressed in an astronaut’s flight suit, jumping on her bed while erupting in laughter. The wall behind the girl is covered with posters of astronaut pioneers, including Sally Ride, Valentina Tereshkova and Jeanette Epps.
“I wanted to focus more on women in aviation, instead of doing a single portrait of one woman,” Kuchipudi said. Their influence was really great on kids.”
Greg Campbell, director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, said the success of local youth in recent years on the national and international stages is something to be proud of.
“A Virginian represents not just the best of our nation, but the entire world. Our motto that ‘Virginia is for Flying Lovers’ is quickly becoming a fact,” Campbell said.
Kuchipudi was one of two American students to earn first-place awards at the FAI Young Artists Contest, whose results were announced on May 6. She was joined by Lottie Schmutz of Wyoming, who won the Intermediate category, for ages 10-13.
Zhuoyu Duan of China won the Junior category, for ages 6-9.
Two other local students — Andrew Yang, 9, of Great Falls and Aspen Xing, 12, of Vienna — also represented the U.S. in the international competition, following success at the state and national levels.
“It is wonderful to see so many young people taking part, and I hope their work will inspire the next generation of young girls,” FAI President Greg Principato said.
“Through their creative work, these young talents captured the spirit of air sports — a world full of freedom, courage and endless possibilities,” he continued.
