Drawn to create

When Susan Crosier began working on a class assignment, the Organ Mountain High School student, who is now entering the 11th grade, never imagined it would become the official poster for the 2026 Las Cruces Space Festival. 

“I was actually really shocked,” Crosier said. “I thought there was a lot of talented artists that had entered, and so I was very excited that I was chosen as the winner because it was a big competition.” 

This year’s contest challenged students to create artwork around the theme “Space Unites Us.” Crosier looked to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo for inspiration, drawing from memories of visiting the museum and the sense of connection it creates through space exploration. 

Rather than settling for her first idea, Crosier reworked the piece from the ground up. She began with a sketch before receiving feedback from her art teacher. Unsatisfied with the original concept, she redesigned it digitally, then transferred the final version back onto paper using watercolor and colored pencils. 

Creating has always been part of Crosier’s life — a passion she said began at an early age and continues to inspire her today. 

“I’ve always been really into artwork,” Crosier said. “I’ve always enjoyed creating… I like making things beautiful.” 

That passion extends beyond the classroom. Through the Las Cruces Kids Can entrepreneurship program, Crosier sells artwork under the name Creative Arts, an experience she said has given her confidence to share her work with others. 

“I’ve always loved having my artwork being presented to other people,” she said. “I hope it inspires other people because I never thought I’d be here today.” 

Crosier credits much of her artistic inspiration to her older brother, whose own creativity encouraged her to develop her skills and pursue her passion. 

“I’ve always looked up to him,” she said. “I wanted to do it myself and get him to be proud of me.” 

Watching that passion grow has been rewarding for her mother, Mary Crosier, who said Susan taught herself digital art before expanding into watercolor, oil painting and other mediums. Programs like Las Cruces Kids Can, she said, have also helped her daughter grow as both an artist and an entrepreneur. 

“We’ve just been open to encouraging our kids to be entrepreneurs in whatever they’re interested in,” Mary Crosier said. “Go for it. Experience it.” 

For Mary, the recognition represents something even bigger than winning a competition. 

“I want her to understand that it’s not just mom saying, ‘Hey, you’re good,’” she said. “It’s a reality. It’s a fact. She has skills.” 

Before the interview concluded, Susan made sure to recognize the teacher who encouraged her to submit the piece. 

“I just want to thank my art teacher for allowing me to take that opportunity to submit my artwork for the poster,” she said.