By Stephen Smoot
Although many happy children live and play in Harrison County, one very “happy little kid” has moved forward in a national youth art contest held by the foundation honoring that name and legacy of legendary painter Bob Ross.
Charlie Lanham-Hinton, known as “Cheesy Charlie” to his friends because of his infectious smile, advanced last week to a wildcard round of national judging. Currently he, his family, and his supporters in Harrison County and around the state await the tally of votes to see if he moves on to the national quarterfinals.
In the contest, he took the social media moniker of “happy little kid.” Those supporting his effort and following the contest get to see him working with multiple media, running from drawing to sculpting with Play Doh and other materials. His mother shared before that “we take step-by-step pictures of his Play Doh monsters and export them into animated gifs.” This puts a modern technology spin on an old technique often used in Christmas classic television specials, commercials, and the Gumby animated series.
Much of his work dwells on creative creation of creatures, which he enthusiastically explains are monsters.
Charlie spends his life immersed in art, traveling always with a sketch pad and different sketching and drawing implements.
Two young artists will earn a prize with their work. One artist will take the People’s Choice Award, chosen through online voting. The winner will receive a $20,000 prize, appear on the program created by Bob Ross, The Joy of Painting, hosted now by Nicholas Hankins, That winner will also have his or her art displayed in the Minnetrista Museum in Indiana.
One of the big supporters and promoters of this contest is David Arquette, who in the past appeared in popular motion pictures and television programs and has since moved on from Hollywood. He now puts the spotlight on bringing art to children and encouraging expression.
Arquette also earned certification as an art instructor from the Ross organization.
Charlie has held first place in his area for much of the contest, but was overtaken and fell to second late in March. Online voting determines the winners. Second place qualified him for a special wild card round. Should he prevail there, he will move on to the quarterfinals and more rounds of voting.
The contest not only recognizes and rewards child artists, even more importantly, it also raises funds for blood cancer research.
To follow Charlie’s story, go to Happylittlekid on Facebook. If you see a smiling child drawing or sculpting monsters, you know you have found the right spot.