ANNA is proud to announce Shannon Hanson of the Alamo City Chapter #205 as the winner of our second annual art contest for his remarkable piece, Beauty from Ashes.

Built from broken pieces of past works, this striking sculpture—crafted from flameworked borosilicate glass—carries a powerful message. Shannon’s intention is to “inspire hope, regardless of hardship.” The symbolism is profound: a skull encased in a bladder represents kidney failure, while a flower emerges as a sign of new beginnings. He describes his inspiration as rooted in phrases such as beauty from ashes, phoenix from the fire, redemption from ruin, and hope from despair.

Congratulations to Shannon for his creativity and vision, and thank you to all who submitted their work to this year’s contest. Through art, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of challenges.