Though there are many talented artists at Arapahoe, one senior is chosen by the Art Department to be honored as the Artist of the Month.
Joan Hitchens, Joe Holliman, Susan Bakken and Jill Hawthorne get together once a month to determine who will be awarded Arapahoe’s Artist of the Month based on the quality of work and the time committed to the student’s piece.
It is an honor when an artist is selected because it is great to have on a college resume. Also, their artwork is displayed for the month at Guiry’s, an art supply shop and sponsor of the awards.
Senior Grace Gregory was named as Artist of the Month for September for her unique pencil drawing.
To win she had to take two pictures and draw grids on them, then pick part of the pictures that she wanted to combine to make one picture.
“I love art because I think it’s a great way to get a message across to somebody,” Gregory said. “The idea of bringing out a certain feeling within someone through a picture is amazing.”
Grace comes from an extremely artistic family, from whom she has learned a lot.
“I get my inspiration from the beautiful things that God has created,” Gregory said. “I love to draw the human body. It’s my biggest interest, and I think God has given me the talent to portray his beauty through my art to reflect his amazing work in a different way.”
After high school Gregory plans to take a unique approach to her career as an artist by becoming a tattoo artist. She has already been making steps to pursue her dream and she is very appreciative of the Art Department and all they have done.
The Arapahoe Art Department holds a strong connection with the students, and the teachers not only teach, they inspire.
“Teen artists amaze me,” Hitchens said. “It is exciting and inspiring to see what they can create.”
“This gives me a lot of recognition!” Gregory said. “Thank you again, art department, you guys have been so helpful the last four years in helping me to improve my talent and skills, I love you guys very much! Thank you!”
With everything Gregory has accomplished at Arapahoe, her skills will surely help her in the future.
Her appreciation towards the Art Department is shown through her work.
Art is wonder and excitement on a canvas; it is a discovery and a lesson, though it may be different for everyone.