Vicksburg artist Wanda Hurt Warren was honored at a Starkville arts festival.

She was given a purchase award of $300 at the 2008 Cotton District Arts Festival, held April 19.

The purchase award was for a linocut that is familiar to Vicksburg residents and visitors. The banners, which line some streets of the River City and depict the city’s aspects and events, all feature artwork created by Warren. The banner featuring a cardinal bird, was produced in 2004, and she has sold several of the linocuts.

A linocut is a print made from a block of linoleum that has a design carved into it.

Warren also recently placed second in the oil painting division of the Vicksburg Art Association Spring Show. She said receiving recognition for her work is encouraging, but it is not what ultimately drives her as an artist.

“When you’re an artist, you are just sick with it. It’s an illness, and so you just have to create,” she said.

A graduate of Mississippi University for Women, Warren has been involved in the local arts scene for years. She has taught art at Warren Junior High School and has served as the VAA president. She works from a studio inside her Vicksburg home, and deals with a variety of mediums.

“I do print-making, watercolors, oils, some clay work and really whatever happens to turn me on each particular day,” she said.

The Cotton District Arts Festival is in its 13th year and is sponsored by the Starkville Area Arts Council. For information, visit www.starkvillearts.org.