Applying pressure to paper, I blend the violet pigment into indigo-blue colored pencils. I lift the rose pencil next, adding highlights to my self-portrait. I sigh with contentment and stand back, looking my work up and down. How can I improve my strokes? Should I darken the shadows? How do I portray my likeness more accurately? While I experiment with a wide range of mediums, I am primarily an acrylic paint and colored pencil artist. Both mediums blend beautifully and can be built up in endless layers. I feel at ease knowing that no mistakes are permanent. I have a lot to say through my artwork, but instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I celebrate my friendships, replicate fun summer nights, and reflect on my identity. The intention behind both my art and community service can be summed up in two words: positivity and innovation. I want to introduce new and uplifting things to the world. One of my favorite pieces is titled “Camera Flash,” a painting done on window blinds cut to 36" x 36”. Because it is an ode to a summer spent with my favorite people, I gave prints of the piece to each friend I depicted. For every birthday and special occasion, I excitedly create artwork and crafts to gift my loved ones. Last year, I volunteered with Junior Leadership of Medina County. As an alumnus of the program, I wanted to support the incoming class of juniors. The leadership experience was memorable and I wanted the new students to have just as much fun as I did. My contribution was painting black-and-white wildlife outlines onto rain barrels. Every year, the students paint them in, like a special coloring book. I was able to spread joy and build connections with other volunteers; I used my passion for art to benefit others and enjoyed every second of it. To leave a longer-lasting impact on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This project has required significant fundraising, ongoing preparation, and numerous meetings. I will not only establish the space but create a guide for future students to assemble their own gallery shows. They will be able to transform the gallery into whatever they want it to be. By passing it on to the Art Club leaders, I hope to leave a legacy that stretches far beyond my high school graduation. My community contributions directly result from my love of creating. I have taken art classes for as long as I can remember, some local, some at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and others at the Cleveland Institute of Art. As a whole, the Ohio art community has been extremely supportive and beneficial to me. Artists tend to be some of the most open-minded and diverse people, allowing me to learn a lot about the world and myself. I have forged connections with peers and instructors from all walks of life. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, but I am actively trying to return the favor. When I begin classes at Bowling Green State University as a Painting and Drawing major, I will hone my skills in a broad range of mediums. I will push myself beyond my comfort zone time and time again. But my endeavors will not be only personal and academic. I fully intend to become involved on campus and find ways to give back to the creative community that made me who I am. I will use my artwork, time, and skill to uplift others for the entirety of my artistic career.

As a little kid, I loved to play “the line game” with my grandpa, a former art teacher. We would each make a line, curly or jagged, then trade papers. The goal was to turn it into a drawing, no matter how absurd the result. Even if I felt like I failed, his encouragement and confidence in me sparked my creativity. I have taken art classes for as long as I can remember, some local, some at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and others at the Cleveland Institute of Art. As a whole, the Ohio art community has been extremely supportive and beneficial to me. Artists tend to be some of the most open-minded and diverse people, allowing me to learn a lot about the world and myself. I have forged connections with peers and instructors from all walks of life. Being in such a special community has made me more compassionate, introspective, and resilient. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, but I can do my best to return the favor. To leave a lasting impact on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This project has required significant fundraising, ongoing preparation, and numerous meetings. My intention is not only to establish the space but to create a guide for future students to assemble their own gallery shows. They will be able to transform the gallery into whatever they want it to be. By passing this resource on to the Art Club leaders, I hope to leave a legacy that stretches far beyond my graduation. If I could have curated exhibitions during my time in high school, stepping back to look at my work would have made me immensely proud. I have a lot to say through my artwork, but instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I do not believe that art must be melancholic to carry significance. I paint my friends, replicate fun summer nights, and reflect on my transgender and queer identity. One of my favorite pieces is titled “Metamorphosis,” a self-portrait that uses insects as a metaphor for being transgender. I have grown more comfortable with my gender identity and self-expression, like a cicada shedding the shell of its former self. The name of this colored pencil drawing references the butterfly life cycle displayed at the bottom. Next, “Embracing Change” depicts a man with dragonfly wings, embodying my queer identity in a way I cannot quite articulate. The subject is both strong and delicate, bold and vulnerable. The last piece I want to share about is called “Night Swim,” an ode to my favorite place to visit with friends. Before assembling this collage, I tediously created each element using oil pastels, acrylic paint, colored pencils, and so on. The intention behind my art and community contributions can be summed up in two words: positivity and innovation. I want to introduce new and bright things to the world. When I begin classes at Bowling Green State University as a Painting and Drawing major, I will hone my skills in a broad range of mediums. I will push myself beyond my comfort zone time and time again. However, my endeavors will not be only personal and academic. I fully intend to become involved on campus and find ways to give back to the artistic community that made me who I am. I will use my artwork, time, and skill to uplift others for the entirety of my artistic career.

Long subway rides from Beomgye station to Hanyang University, humid walks with new friends, and going to coffee shops with my host mom– these were the experiences that defined the summer of 2022. But behind my camera lens and Instragram posts, things were not so picturesque. My efforts to deny my transgender identity crumbled while studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea at 15 years old. Although I learned a lot, the experience was isolating and pushed me over the edge. My long-standing issues with gender dysphoria and body image rapidly took over my life, spiraling into sleepless nights and disordered eating. Nothing felt right and the ceaseless pit in my stomach grew in size every time I was misgendered or referred to by my birth name. Even after returning to the USA, my long days blurred into a haze of exhaustion, tears, and haunting suicidal thoughts. I received a prescription for antidepressants and began attending therapy, forging a successful connection with my therapist; these were the first steps toward improving my mental health. Now, my approach is multifaceted, consisting of therapy, medication, healthy coping mechanisms, and a strong support system. But above all, coming out significantly helped alleviate my gender dysphoria. The pit in my stomach shrunk when my peers and teachers began referring to me with the proper name and pronouns. I cut my hair and began dressing authentically. I felt more like me. Despite the progress I had made in and outside of therapy, I never felt comfortable or confident in my body. I was sickened to see my reflection in the mirror staring back at me, eyes locked on feminine features that did not feel like mine. After living with gender dysphoria for so long, making the leap to purchase a gym membership meant a lot to me. I wanted to look more muscular, and as the months passed by, it felt amazing to see the physical results of my labor. My perspective on health and food completely transformed. Instead of focusing on burning calories and losing weight, I could healthily focus on gaining muscle. Instead of restricting what I ate, I prioritized how I could add more fruits, vegetables, and protein into my diet. Still, it is challenging to find the time or motivation to go to the gym. It is not always easy to take care of myself. But I have learned to cut myself some slack and find a compromise. On the days I do not want to lift weights, I go hiking with my friends or swim in a local lake. As long as I am staying active, I feel a little better. I am gentler with myself and my body, slowly eliminating my self-critical thoughts and shame for eating. As I adapt to proper self-care, it slowly becomes second nature. When I feel overwhelmed, I do my skincare routine, go outside, or spend time with my friends. Taking diligent care of myself is worth the effort because it makes me feel happier and healthier. Although I will undoubtedly experience waves of depression throughout my life, I can also take preventative measures to decrease the weight of the world.

I spend my summers on the rocks surrounding the East River, dangling my legs into the water with a sketchbook in my lap. Being outdoors is freeing and encourages me to keep creating. While I do not always have the time for plein air painting, I jump at the rejuvenating opportunity to create outdoors. Everything in the world around me influences my creative expression. I have painted the nostalgia-inducing turtle sandbox in my grandparent’s backyard with acrylic paint. I have used watercolors to illustrate my commute while studying abroad in South Korea. And, as you will see below, I have painted my best friends. While I do not feel that everything I create is a masterpiece, my pieces carry personal significance. I transfer my warmest memories onto canvas so I can never forget them. My artwork is a reflection of my emotions, circumstances, and surroundings. Although my paintbrush has never adequately captured the beauty of my friends or nature, I slowly inch closer to perfecting my craft; I will spend the rest of my life fostering my skill sets. Nothing compares to the satisfaction that follows the completion of a tedious painting. As I begin majoring in Painting and Drawing at Bowling Green State University, I know I will take every opportunity to be outside and explore local parks. Beyond that, I will spend the entirety of my artistic career exploring new techniques and locations. I share Terry Masters’ passion for creating, especially in the outdoors, and will continue his legacy through my artwork.

Last year, I was asked to help out with Junior Leadership of Medina County (JrLMC). The summer sun beat down on me as I crouched uncomfortably, paintbrush in hand. For a moment, I wondered why exactly I had agreed to the request. But as an alumnus of JrLMC, I wanted to support the incoming class of juniors. For me, the leadership experience was memorable and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wanted the new students to have just as much fun as I did. My contribution was painting black-and-white wildlife outlines onto rain barrels. Every year, the students paint them in, like a special coloring book. Using my passion for art to make an impact on my community was immensely fulfilling. I was able to spread positivity and build connections with other volunteers; I used my passion for art to benefit others and enjoyed every second of it. Outside of this experience, I am involved with the MHS Art Club. I have taken art classes for as long as I can remember, some local, some at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and others at the Cleveland Institute of Art. As a whole, the Ohio art community has been extremely supportive and beneficial to me. Artists tend to be some of the most open-minded and diverse people, allowing me to learn a lot about the world and myself. I have forged connections with peers and instructors from all walks of life. Being in such a special community has made me more compassionate, introspective, and resilient. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, but I can do my best to return the favor. To leave a lasting impact on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This senior capstone project has required significant fundraising, ongoing preparation, and numerous meetings. My intention is not only to establish the space, but to create a guide for future students to assemble their own gallery shows. They will be able to transform the gallery into whatever they want it to be. By passing it on to the Art Club leaders, I hope to leave a legacy that stretches far beyond my high school graduation. The act of creation can be a sanctuary and conversation starter for both the artist and the viewer. It positively impacts mental wellbeing, draws people together, and teaches valuable lessons. I have a lot to say through my artwork, but instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I paint my friends, replicate fun summer nights, and use self-portraits to reflect on my personal growth. Each piece I create begins with a feeling rather than a concept. From there, I contemplate what subjects will draw that particular emotion out of me. After establishing a composition, I use anything from colored pencils and oil pastels to acrylic paint and ink. I create my pieces on diverse surfaces like fabric or even window blinds. There is nothing I will not try at least once, as trying new things keeps me on my toes. I intend to use my artwork, time, and skill to uplift others for the entirety of my artistic career.

Social interactions have always summoned a wave of anxiety within me. The fear of making mistakes used to leave me feeling paralyzed. When I studied abroad in South Korea at the age of fifteen, sometimes I was too scared to even attempt speaking in Korean. I did not want to make a fool of myself in front of native speakers. But as my time abroad continued, I felt guilty for wasting such a tremendous opportunity. I was there to learn and wanted to make the most of the experience. From that point forward, I was determined not to let my anxiety or introversion hold me back. I volunteer in the nursery at Cornerstone Chapel with infants and toddlers below two years old. I read to them, sit in too-small chairs to color beside them, and soothe the kids when they miss their parents. I am also a foster parent with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). I often end up caring for stray cats in need of socializing or kittens that need frequent bottle feeding. Admittedly, interacting with cats is much easier than with people, but supporting animals means a lot to me. I have been involved with Key Club in a variety of local events, such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Medina Candlelight Walk. They definitely felt nerve-wracking at first, and events like these are still no walk in the park. But I have been gradually adjusting to the feeling. I also integrated myself into my community through extracurriculars like Art Club and Junior Leadership of Medina County (JrLMC). Then, as an alumnus of JrLMC, I returned to support the incoming class of juniors. For me, the experience was memorable and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I participated in leadership exercises, met new peers during each event, and traveled to local places I was unfamiliar with. I wanted the new students to have just as much fun as I did. I helped out by painting black-and-white wildlife outlines onto rain barrels. Every year, the students paint them in, like a special coloring book. I used my passion for art to benefit others and enjoyed every second of it. To leave a lasting impact on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This senior capstone project has required significant fundraising, ongoing preparation, and numerous meetings. My intention is not only to establish the space, but to create a guide for future students to assemble their own gallery shows. They will be able to transform the gallery into whatever they want it to be. By passing it on to the Art Club leaders, I hope to leave a legacy that stretches far beyond my high school graduation. Interacting with so many new people has been both busy and stressful, but it also feels fulfilling. I am proud of myself for surging past my mental barriers to do something good. I have also learned that there is no reason to feel guilty about taking time for myself. It is impossible to keep going and going without proper self care. I am still an introvert living with social anxiety. Some days, I would rather spend a day alone at the library than do anything else. But I also love engaging with my community and making positive contributions when I can. It can be challenging, but my positive attitude and efforts to be more outgoing have proved beneficial. Stress is a hurdle that, with practice, becomes easier to jump over.

I became acquainted with the challenges of mental health at a very young age, battling low self-esteem and intense anxiety. At age eleven, I grappled with depression, and nothing seemed to remedy my hopelessness. Studying abroad in South Korea at fifteen was an isolating experience that pushed me over the edge. My long-standing issues with gender dysphoria and body image rapidly took over my life, spiraling into sleepless nights and disordered eating. Even after returning to the USA, my long days blurred into a haze of exhaustion, tears, and haunting suicidal thoughts. Amidst my hardships, creating art became a beacon of encouragement and light in my life. Art emerged as a method to express my complicated emotions and put my energy into something productive, soothing my disorganized mind. I could doodle during tough school days or pour myself into a new painting for a healthy distraction. Although I changed therapists and antidepressants, my love of creating remained constant. My artwork is a method of putting my identity, emotions, and circumstances on paper. It is an extension of myself. I believe that the act of creation can be a sanctuary for the artist and the viewer; it is an innate element of being human, as necessary as food and water. Regardless of skill level or experience, creating something with your own hands is expressive and can alleviate distress. Anybody can engage in their own form of art therapy. I have a lot to say through my artwork, but instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I paint my friends, replicate fun summer nights, and use self-portraits to reflect on my personal growth. It is fulfilling to put something positive into the world. Each piece I create begins with a feeling rather than a concept. From there, I contemplate what subjects will draw that particular emotion out of me. After establishing a composition, I use anything from colored pencils and oil pastels to acrylic paint and ink. I create my pieces on diverse surfaces like fabric or even window blinds. There is nothing I will not try at least once. One of my pieces is an acrylic paint portrait I made of my best friend, Zoey. The piece is realistic but uses abstract coloring to add visual interest and accurately portray her personality. She is an eclectic ray of sunshine and I draw her frequently. The black-and-white painting was done on window blinds cut to 36"x36", permanently capturing a summer spent with my favorite people. Similarly, the piece with the moon and hands, or “Night Swim,” is an ode to my favorite place to swim with friends. I tediously created each element of this collage using oil pastels, acrylic paint, colored pencils, and so on. The man with dragonfly wings embodies my queer identity in a way I cannot quite explain through words. The subject is both strong and delicate, bold and vulnerable. “Metamorphosis” is a self-portrait that uses insects as a metaphor for being transgender. I have grown more comfortable with my gender identity and self-expression, like a cicada shedding the shell of its former self. To leave a positive mark on my community, I am creating a student-operated art gallery at Medina High School. This senior capstone project has required heavy fundraising, but I want the gallery space to mean something to students for years to come. Whether it comes to my artistic development and struggles with mental health, I know that a younger version of myself would beam with pride at my progress. I will continue pushing through challenges to improve my skills and circumstances.

Hello, my name is Jay! I love caring for animals, reading fantasy books, and visiting my local parks. But above all, my heart belongs to art, an everpresent beacon of light in my life. As somebody who is transgender and has struggled with mental health, I have a lot to say through my artwork. I experiment with different mediums to express my complicated emotions and soothe my mind when it becomes disorganized. But instead of focusing on hardships, I depict my happiest moments. I paint my friends, replicate the energy of fun summer nights, and reflect on my personal growth. Each piece I create begins with a feeling rather than a concept. From there, I contemplate the various ways I can illustrate something indescribable. I explore memories, nature, places, and people that matter to me. I consult my friends and photographs in search of inspiration. Once I have established a composition, I use anything from colored pencils and oil pastels to acrylic paint and ink. I create my pieces on surfaces like fabric or even window blinds. There is nothing I will not try at least once. My artwork is a method of putting my identity, emotions, and circumstances on paper. It is an extension of myself. Everything in the world around me influences my creative expression, and I am not alone in this. For all of time, art has been as inherent to the human experience as food and water. People leave their mark on the world by creating something new and touching the hearts of those around them. Even if the viewer can not relate to the subject matter, they can feel what the artist has shown to them. The act of creation can be a sanctuary and conversation starter for both the artist and the viewer. Where would we be without it? What would a home be without art hanging on the walls? What would a car ride be without the radio playing? But most importantly, how could we understand the historical complexities of those who came before us? From political cartoons to Francisco Goya’s war paintings, art has carried us to where we are today. Human rights movements have been undeniably intertwined with art, such as in the post-Jim Crow Renaissance Era or the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots. In the future, historians will examine today’s pieces for a glimpse into 2025. And yet, artwork does not have to be melancholy or symbolic to mean something. Any form of art, any subject matter, and any stylistic choice can hold significance that we may not even be able to comprehend yet. But years from now, when our descendants can zoom out to reveal the bigger picture, they will be able to learn about who we were and what we cared for. Art is embedded deep within our bones.