The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) and CultureFix officially unveiled the first winner of their new Bus Art Contest during James City County’s Family Day Festival this past Saturday. The contest, launched in January and open to residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, invited local artists to submit designs inspired by the theme “Spirit of 1776” in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The inaugural winner comes from the Aspiring (Under 18) category: Ryder Argo, a fifth‑grader at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School. His artwork, titled “The Traveling Spirit of 1776,” blends iconic Revolutionary‑era imagery — including the Liberty Bell, an eagle, early colonial ships, cannons, and the Declaration of Independence — all set against a backdrop reminiscent of the American flag. Ryder explained that each symbol represents courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom, coming together to reflect the birth of the United States.
Ryder’s design will be wrapped on a WATA bus throughout the summer, giving riders and visitors across the Historic Triangle a chance to see his work rolling through the community. Winners in the Amateur and Professional categories will be announced soon as the contest continues to spotlight local creativity.
