Crystal Perrusquia, a senior art student at the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts, currently has her Digital Illustration of Western Art displayed at the Briscoe Western Art Museum through March, 2026.
Perrusquia submitted her artwork and earned Reserve Class Champion in Digital Illustration at the San Antonio Rodeo Western Art Competition allowing her stunning artwork to be showcased at the Western Art Museum.
In December, to Crystal’s surprise, she was contacted by the San Antonio Rodeo letting her know that her artwork was going to be professionally framed and displayed at the Briscoe Art Museum in San Antonio.
“Hearing the new I was very excited and honestly very surprised. I didn’t expect to get it but I was grateful that I did,” said Perrusquia. I have never had my art displayed anywhere else but Laredo. To have my art displayed in a San Antonio Museum, it’s really a big achievement for me.”
Crystal’s good fortune did not stop there, along with winning Reserve Class Champion in Digital Illustration, Perrusquia also received a $300 premium award for her artwork
Perrusquia, who is also a student at J.W. Nixon High School, became interested in art during pandemic quarantine when she was in 7th grade and COVID hit.
“I had nothing to do but try new hobbies and one of the hobbies that I picked up, that was free, was art. I used whatever I had, any pencil or pen that I could find. I just started on my own. I just dove into art,” said Perrusquia. “I started with random You Tube videos, and from there I progressed to asking my parents for art supplies. I had never seen art as a hobby, but ever since seventh grade I have found a passion for art and it’s my go to for comfort.”
Crystal credits her art teacher and parents for allowing her to hone her art skills.
“I want to thank my teacher Ms. Brooke Berrios. She has been very supportive throughout this whole process by guiding me and helping me with art tips and techniques,” said Perrusquia. “My parents have also been very supportive. They bought me my first art kit and my iPad that has helped me tremendously. I’m really grateful for them.”
“My art classes at VMT have helped me improve in my art a lot,” said Perrusquia. “I have taken time to focus on what I need to work on and to dedicate my time to art more so I have improved my art by learning what I need to work on and not just doing art.”
Crystal is an active member of VMT Philharmonic Orchestra and Nixon High School Girls Tennis Team. She is also involved in organizations such as National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Junior Achievement, and UIL. She is also enrolled in Honors classes and AP classes including AP Art.
Perrusquia applied for the Architecture Program at her dream school the University of Texas at Austin. She plans on getting a degree in Architecture.
She attended Ryan Elementary School and Lamar Middle School. Crystal is the daughter of Christina Cruz and Luis Perrusquia.