Danica Vu, a fifth-grader at Columbia Elementary School, created this anime-inspired artwork that was accepted for display at the Galaxy of Lights. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Columbia Elementary School will be represented by fifth-grader Danica Vu at the Galaxy of Lights, adjacent to Huntsville Botanical Garden.

“Danica’s artwork is one of 12 winning artwork pieces to be displayed at the botanical garden during this exciting event,” Columbia Principal Jamie Hill said. “Her artwork was chosen out of the thousands of artwork entries sent to botanical garden for this art contest.”

Vu painted two girl elves with definite inspiration from anime. One elf is unrolling ribbon to wrap a Christmas present, while the other girl delivers the finished product to Santa Claus. Vu’s choice of colors ‘pop’ against a stark, white background.

Vu created her design while working with fellow classmates in Sage Murine’s art class at Columbia. “My art teacher told me it had to be simple and spaced out. I randomly thought of the girl elves,” Vu said. “Ms. Murine sent my picture into the contest.”

Vu’s favorite medium is pencil. “I draw a lot of anime, including ‘My Little Pony’ and cats,” Vu said. “I draw whatever pops into my mind.”

Vu said she didn’t take art classes while she attended Catholic school while living in California so she started drawing in class during free time. “I use YouTube and my surroundings,” she said.

While her artistic talent is obvious, Vu also has a good aptitude for science. “I like art and science. Science is interesting, and art is something I like to do in my free time,” Vu said.

Two years ago, the Vu family moved to Madison because “my dad’s job was moved to Alabama. I miss California and my old house,” she said.

Danica’s parents are Duc and Cheri Vu. Danica’s father works as an electrical engineer. Currently, her mother is a stay-at-home mom. Danica’s siblings are Alina, who is in third grade, and Christabel in kindergarten, both students at Columbia.

In the future, Danica is interested in volunteering with pets on adoption days at Petco.