KAPOLEI — Ashley Takashima's inspiration for her first-ever art contest came from the acclaimed 2002 Japanese animated film "Spirited Away."

The Holomua Elementary School sixth-grader's entry in the 12th annual Leeward Young Artists contest was a dragon from the film, and it was one of 10 top award winners chosen by judges Bob Grossmann, Mark Kadota and Marcia Pasqua.

"I like to draw but never entered a contest before, so it's exciting," said Ashley, 11, daughter of Susan and Casey Takashima of 'Ewa Beach.

The winners who were honored Thursday night were selected from 49 finalists representing 21 Leeward O'ahu schools. An exhibit showcasing the finalists' artwork is on display in the lobby of Kapolei Hale through Nov. 21.

Four of the 49 finalists were from Pearl City Highlands Elementary, where Ashley's uncle, Jonathan Fong, teaches art. Marisa Medrano is Ashley's art teacher.

Nicholas Vetting, 5, and Sean K.G. Lorenzo, 8, won with self-portraits that were convincing, even to their mothers.

"That's him. You'd know it by SpongeBob," Wendy Vetting said, pointing out the character on her son's shirt in the portrait. Nicholas' dad is Brad Vetting, and his family lives in Kapolei. His teacher, Kerri Yrojo, said Nicholas took a week to complete his art project, which features a yellow background.

Carolyn Guerrero described her son Sean's self-portrait as "like looking through a window."

"I look at it and through his eyes, you can see everything," Guerrero said. Sean's father is Arthur Lorenzo, and his teacher is Sherri Ko.

"It was challenging," Sean said, "and I'm proud it won. I guess we can hang it somewhere."

Summer Palipti, 10, also won on her first time in a contest with a colored drawing of a chicken that she saw in a magazine brought to class by her teacher, Linda Florendo. "Drawing it was fun," said Summer, the daughter of Yvette Oyape and Greg Palipti.

Daniel Mossman, 16, son of Bowe and Ramona Mossman, won with a linoleum print of hula instruments. His teacher, Tom Alejo, praised the effort and was happy Daniel was able to complete it before injuring his right wrist while skateboarding.

Three finalists — fifth-grader Fiona Burch of Waiau Elementary, seventh-grader Krystal Pascua of Highlands Intermediate and Waipahu High senior Bradford Jacinto — were awarded scholarships to attend art classes at the Academy Art Center.

The contest is sponsored by the Estate of James Campbell in cooperation with the state Department of Education.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.