RUMFORD — Ross Gross, a sophomore at Mountain Valley High School, has a work of art on display at Cross Building, across from the Capitol, in Augusta as part of the Maine Youth Excellence in Art Exhibit. The picture hangs in Health and Human Services Room 209.

The work, which is titled “Pulp Truck in the Woods,” was created using graphite on paper.

“I’ve drawn pulp trucks and logging equipment all of my life,” Gross said. “Mr. McGinty sent it to the art show because he thought it was original.”

With a chuckle in his voice, Gross explained how it felt to be recognized, “I’m the next DaVinci!”

Maine’s first lady Ann LePage awarded a certificate to Gross. At the ceremony, she said, “These works of art are inspiring and showcase the talent of our youth. We are so glad to have the artwork on display. We truly feel that this is a program Mainers can be proud of and I hope visitors to Augusta will take the time to enjoy what these students have shared with our state.”

The Maine Arts Commission organized the Excellence in Art program. The 2014 spring exhibit can be viewed at mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/MYEA.