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Young artist submits heart-felt entry to Aeronautics' aviation art contest

Ariana Hall, a second-place winner in Aeronautics’ aviation art contest, submitted a heart-felt entry this year in recognition of her great-grandfather Leonard “Bud” Purdy. Purdy was known to many Idahoans as a respected rancher and conservationist who died in April at the age of 96 at his home on Silver Creek in Picabo.

He also was a pilot who had been flying since 1941 who used his airplane for checking on livestock, business meetings and simple pleasure.
 
Ari’s drawing was of her great grandfather’s original Piper 235 Cherokee, which was repainted to its current red and blue in the 1990s.

“I think for the next contest she’ll change it up and draw the same plane with the new paint job and dedicate it to her Papa Bud,” said her mother, Ruth Hall.

Published 5-9-14