PHOENIX — Emily Costello said she always wanted to be an artist growing up but chased other career paths instead.

She found her way back to art a few years ago, and now she’s the Arizona Lottery artist in residence for 2019 – the first to ever hold that title.

“My art is very, very much reflective of my upbringing and my life experiences,” she said.

Costello was born in Arizona and was raised by her grandparents who are of Mexican descent. Her father is from Czechoslovakia.

“My friends jokingly call me Czech-mix or a Czech-ana” she said. “Joking aside, I grew up with Mexican imagery, colors, food, and culture. That very, very much plays heavily into my artwork.”

Costello is a self-taught painter, printer and media artist. She is part of several art groups and teaches youth art classes at various locations, including at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Her art infused with vibrant colors will decorate Arizona Lottery scratcher tickets that’ll be available for purchase during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The tickets will be luchador-themed and will have hints of southwestern and Mexican art. They’ll be available in August for $2.

Costello will also produce artwork for the Arizona Lottery players’ favorite scratcher ticket called “7s.”

Last year, the Arizona Lottery held a statewide art contest for Dia de los Muertos-themed scratcher tickets in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Costello submitted her artwork and was chosen as the winner.

Due to the success of that ticket, the Arizona Lottery chose Costello as the first-ever artist in residence.

Costello said this is a chance to use art as a way to share her heritage with everyone.

“The Latino community is very important in our state, and I’m excited to share with people who want a deeper understanding of that culture through my artwork,” she said.

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