Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Lakewood High's Peyton Harvin talks going from canvas to Capitol, big creative dreams

For most high school juniors, life is a balancing act of classes, extracurriculars and planning for the future. But for Lakewood High School's Peyton Harvin, that future is already taking shape - one brushstroke at a time.

At just 16 years old, he's built an impressive portfolio, with his artwork being showcased in national competitions. Yet, for Peyton, his artistry is not all about recognition. It's a personal journey that involves capturing the world he sees, using the flexibility of acrylic paint and turning his passion into a lifelong career.

Peyton's artistic journey began at an early age, inspired by his father, who is also an artist. A young Peyton entered the Mayor's Christmas Card Contest and placed runner-up. Rather than get discouraged, it fueled his drive. He entered more contests, each one an opportunity to put his work out there and gain recognition from colleges and professionals in the field.

This perseverance paid off in a major way when one of his pieces - a striking depiction of a tiger - earned him a spot in the Congressional Art Competition. Each year, House members honor one high school student from their districts by selecting a piece of artwork to be included in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol. Millions of visitors view this exhibition each year.

His artwork is supported by friends, family, faculty and staff at Lakewood. Which is why when his accolades reach monumental heights, the excitement is felt by many.

"My [art] teacher, Ms. [Elizabeth] Stolfa, came into my Spanish class [to tell me I won]. She was really excited, but I didn't want to act excited because it was Spanish class," Peyton said with a laugh. Though tamed, his excitement was evident in knowing that his artwork made such an impression that notable people felt it needed to be admired. And he would get the chance to see it on those coveted walls with a free trip to Washington, D.C., for the opening of the exhibition.

The trip gave him a new perspective, not just on his work, but also on the world of art itself. From visiting museums and marveling at the architecture in the Capitol building to meeting Majority Whip James Clyburn and learning their shared interest in turtles, he realized that art could take him places.

As he looks ahead to the future, Peyton envisions a career rooted in creativity.

"I do want to keep doing paintings because I feel like I've had a lot of success, and hopefully the competitions I submit to later on, I get more success from it," he explained. As a backup, he'll combine his knack for math and love of art for a career in architecture - maybe designing grandiose buildings like the Capitol.

Despite his success, Peyton is still growing, still experimenting, still finding new ways to express himself. When asked what advice he would give to young, aspiring artists looking to share their passion in art mediums of all kinds, he kept it simple yet powerful.

"You really just have to trust your art. There's plenty of art styles that gets noticed, and it's really just showing your expression and your skill. If you just let your emotions flow and just allow your skills to show, then I think any anybody could be successful."