For 10-year-old Peyton Fritz, creativity is everywhere. A simple object she comes across can take on a whole new life, thanks to her creative mind. A blank piece of paper can turn into a story. A handful of art supplies can become a work of imagination. And an everyday idea can become something uniquely her own. For this young artist, the world is truly her canvas, and she holds the paintbrush.
Peyton has always found joy in creating, whether she is drawing, writing, singing, or adding her own personal style to the world around her.
That creativity recently earned her statewide recognition when she was named a first-place winner in the Tennessee Art Education Association’s State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase (STARS) Art Contest.
Peyton’s artwork, titled “Flower Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth,” earned first place in the fourth grade art competition and was displayed at the Tennessee State Museum. The STARS exhibition highlighted artwork from kindergarten through fifth grade students across Tennessee and marked the fifth year of the competition. It was also the first time a student from Tullahoma City Schools had received first place in the competition.
For Peyton, seeing her artwork displayed was a special moment.
“It was really pretty, and I was very proud of it,” she said. “I was also thankful for my art teacher, Mr. (Kyle) Nagle, for helping me and being a great art teacher.”
While her artwork has earned recognition, Peyton’s love for art goes far beyond awards. She enjoys the process of creating and experimenting with different ideas and materials.
“I love drawing,” explained Peyton. “I especially like to draw sea turtles. They are my favorite animal of all time.”
She also enjoys working with artistic mediums such as oil pastels and clay, using each one as another way to bring her imagination to life.
Peyton’s artwork has been featured in several spots around Tullahoma, including the Tullahoma Fine Arts Night and Chick-fil-A. Each time she sees her work shared with others, it gives her a sense of pride.
“It’s all pretty cool. I like seeing my art on display for others to look at,” she added. Her creativity is not limited to art. She also enjoys math and writing. For Peyton, creativity is not just something she does — it is part of who she is.
Her mother, Tisha, has watched that creativity grow from an early age and has always encouraged her daughter to explore it.
“The number of art supplies that this child has access to is limitless,” she laughed.
Tisha said Peyton began showing signs of her creativity when she was very young.
“I’d say, since age 5, since she picked up a pencil, she’s been creating ever since,” Tisha said. “I’ve been impressed the whole time. She’s very creative, and she’s also going to be a beautiful singer.”
Along with art, Peyton loves performing. She enjoys singing, especially in front of others, and said she does not worry much about stage fright.
“I love choir so much. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”
Like many creative minds, Peyton already has big dreams for the future. When asked what she would like to be when she grows up, her answer reflects her imagination and curiosity.
“I want to be a marine biologist, but it’s a pretty hard job, so if I don’t run into that when I’m older, I really want to work at the Yellow Tulip,” she explained. “It’s just fun. It’s embroidery, and there’s just a bunch of cool stuff that you could do. You can also talk to people and have a lot of friends. It’s a very cute, small business.”
The Yellow Tulip is a popular, locally owned gift and apparel boutique that sells unique items that caught Peyton’s attention, and is a place she loves to frequent as a devoted customer.
For Tisha, watching her daughter discover what makes her happy has been one of the greatest joys of being a mother.
“I’m most proud of the good friend she is,” she explained. “I watch her be the one who includes other people and the one who is the first to take on the task and do the right thing. I’ve watched her persevere consistently. At the beginning of fourth grade, she struggled with self-image, but she spoke up, asked for help, and advocated for herself. She has grown in so many little ways that have added up. Every single day, she wakes up and does her best. She’s a good friend, and she’s just constantly trying, and I appreciate and respect that.”
As Peyton continues to grow, Tisha hopes she never loses the imagination and creativity that make her unique.
“Our silly little dream for her is that she could be an animator or a ‘Disney Imagineer,’” she said. “She’s constantly creating. She can take an object and make it into something completely different — something that is so unique and cool. She is constantly seeing something and turning it into something else. That, plus the drawing and her writing — she is incredibly insightful and wise. She picks up on things. Whatever she does, I hope she’s able to use her creativity. She has such a beautiful imagination.” GN
