"Wish Upon a Star" … that’s the title of the overall winner of the 2024 Spruce Up the Sun contest, themed “dreams,” by 8th grader Penelope Mathis.

Every year The Sopris Sun collects artwork from young people, preschool through high school, for its Spruce Up The Sun contest. We get to see some of the same names and their artistic progression over the course of a year or more; also some new, affirming that there are plenty of young artists that help make up this creative Carbondale and Roaring Fork Valley community. They hit the mark with this year’s theme: dreams. So we get to share a glimpse into the subconscious of these young creative minds, filled with aspirations, wonder and, of course, the holidays. Thank you to all of the young people who continue to participate, and to their guardians and teachers who remind and encourage them to take part.