One of my favorite pieces I’ve created is a mixed-media painting titled “Her Freedom.” This work is deeply personal and symbolic, honoring the beauty, strength, and identity of Black women. I painted the figure in blue to represent freedom—freedom of expression, identity, and self-worth. To reflect cultural pride and individuality, I hand-sewed 4C hair directly onto the canvas and glued earrings onto the figure, celebrating natural beauty and heritage. I also incorporated green-sprayed hair picks into the background to symbolize growth, not just physical, but also spiritual and emotional development. Each element was intentionally chosen to reflect the layers of identity and the resilience that Black women carry. Her gaze, posture, and adornments convey both softness and power, reminding viewers that freedom includes the right to embrace every part of who you are. This piece inspires me because it stands as a visual affirmation—for myself and other Black women—that we are enough just as we are. Creating “Her Freedom” allowed me to blend culture, storytelling, and artistry into something that speaks louder than words.

Arts education has shaped nearly every part of who I am. Growing up in an under-resourced community, creative opportunities were sometimes limited, but I found ways to make art with whatever I had. From painting on leftover cardboard to creating dances in my room or decorating cupcakes with homemade frosting, art was how I expressed myself. It helped me find confidence, cope with challenges, and discover a deep sense of purpose. One of the biggest turning points in my artistic journey was being introduced to formal art programs through school. I participated in the VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) competitions for three years and was honored to advance to the State level twice. VASE gave me the chance to grow not only as an artist but also as a person—it taught me how to think critically about my work, accept feedback, and tell stories through visual expression. Seeing my art displayed and recognized helped me believe in my voice and in my future. Another defining experience was learning animation through SkillsUSA. Animation felt like a new language to me—one where movement, design, and storytelling all came together. I loved being able to bring characters to life and use digital tools to create something imaginative and meaningful. This experience sparked my interest in blending traditional and digital art and showed me that innovation and creativity can go hand in hand. I’ve also had the honor of having my work published in both the Fall and Spring editions of Celebrating Art, which made me feel like my passion had a place in the world. Being published at a young age gave me the motivation to keep developing my skills and to take my creative journey seriously. The people who have inspired me most along the way are my family, my friends, and the Lord. My family has always supported my creative spirit, even when we didn’t have access to fancy supplies or expensive lessons. They reminded me that talent isn’t about what you have—it’s about what you do with what you’re given. My friends believed in my art, encouraged me to share it, and pushed me to keep going when I doubted myself. And my faith in the Lord has been the foundation of my journey, reminding me that my gift has a purpose and that I am called to use it to uplift and inspire others. Arts education has not only helped me grow as a creator, but it has also helped me grow as a leader. Through my involvement in student council and an all-girls service group called the Smiling Flower Foundation, I’ve learned how to plan events, support my peers, and lead with compassion. These leadership roles have taught me the value of service—and I now see art as a powerful way to serve others. After I graduate, I plan to become an art curator and create accessible art spaces for youth in communities like mine. I want to host workshops, exhibitions, and public showcases that blend culture, technology, and storytelling. My long-term vision is to launch a nonprofit gallery where emerging young artists can display their work, connect with mentors, and be celebrated for their unique voices. I believe art should be for everyone—not just those who can afford it. Art changed my life, and I want to pass that gift on to others. With the support of my community, the inspiration of my faith, and the skills I’ve built through arts education, I’m ready to create spaces where creativity, confidence, and opportunity can thrive for the next generation.

The biggest influences in my life have been my family, my friends, and my faith in the Lord. They’ve each played a unique role in shaping who I am as an artist and as a person. My family has always supported my creativity, even when resources were limited. My friends have encouraged me to keep going, to try new things, and to never give up on my dreams. And through every success and struggle, my faith in God has been my foundation, guiding me to use my gifts with purpose and humility. Growing up, art was more than a hobby—it was how I found peace, joy, and identity. Whether I was painting, dancing, baking, or experimenting with mixed media, creating always felt like home. I learned animation through SkillsUSA and found a new way to tell stories, blending movement with meaning. I’ve also had the honor of competing in VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) for three years and reaching the State level twice. My artwork was published in the Celebrating Art books in both the Fall and Spring editions. These opportunities helped me believe that my voice and vision matter. What makes my artistic skill different is not just the techniques I use, but the heart behind it. My art is rooted in connection, storytelling, and healing. I use various mediums—traditional and digital—to convey genuine emotions and foster a sense of belonging in others. Every brushstroke, sketch, or animation I create is an invitation for others to feel seen and inspired. After I graduate, I want to be innovative by creating accessible art spaces and programs for youth in under-resourced communities—just like the one I came from. As an aspiring art curator, my goal is to not only create and share my work but also to uplift others by curating spaces that showcase young, diverse talent. I plan to organize art workshops, public exhibitions, and creative showcases that blend culture, community, and technology. My long-term vision is to establish a nonprofit gallery where emerging artists—especially those without access to traditional opportunities—can be seen, supported, and celebrated. Through this work, I aim to help the next generation develop into confident and creative leaders. Art changed my life because the people around me believed in my gift. Now, I want to use that gift to change someone else’s. Through faith, support, and creativity, I’ve learned that art is more than talent—it’s a tool to uplift, connect, and transform lives.

Fine art and studio art have shaped my identity, my confidence, and my future. For me, art isn’t just a skill—it’s how I speak to the world. I grew up as a self-taught artist, exploring paint, sketching, and digital tools with whatever I could find. As I got older, I turned that passion into purpose. Being an artist has helped me understand myself and others, and now I want to study art not only to grow my craft, but to make an impact. Throughout my journey, I’ve committed myself to learning, creating, and showcasing my work. I’ve competed in the VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) art competitions for three years and was proud to make it to the State level twice. I was also part of SkillsUSA for animation and advanced to the State level there as well. It was powerful to see how my traditional art and animation could come together to tell stories in new, dynamic ways. My artwork has been published in the Celebrating Art Fall and Spring books, and I’ve exhibited in numerous school-based art shows from elementary school through the end of high school. Outside of school, I’ve taken my art into the real world—showing work in public exhibitions and even becoming a vendor at the Bloom Festival in Duncanville, Texas. Selling and showcasing my art was an incredible experience because I got to see how art connects people of all ages and backgrounds. These opportunities have helped me realize that art doesn’t have to stay in a classroom or sketchbook—it can live, move, and make a difference in people’s lives. Still, it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced a lot of doubt and negativity when it comes to pursuing art seriously. I’ve been told that I’d be a “starving artist” or that most artists don’t gain recognition until they pass away. Those comments used to hurt—but now, they motivate me. I’m determined to change that narrative, not just for myself, but for other unknown and emerging artists too. That’s why I want to become an art curator and eventually manage or create art museums around the world. I want to give talented artists—especially those who have been overlooked—the platform they deserve. I want to make sure their art is celebrated while they are still alive. I want to show people that being an artist is a powerful, viable path, not a dream to give up on. To me, fine art is about more than technique. It’s about telling stories, showing emotion, and sparking change. Art should make viewers feel—and sometimes even make them see the world differently. I want to create spaces where audiences connect with art on a deep level, where they can interpret and form their own narratives based on what they see. Fine art isn’t just about being creative—it’s about being innovative, expressive, and bold. One of my favorite ways to create is through mixed media. I love combining paint, paper, fabric, digital elements, etc. Mixed media lets me push boundaries, turning ordinary items into something extraordinary. Each piece becomes layered with meaning, like my own story unfolding visually. Studying studio art will give me the space and tools to continue exploring this medium in new and exciting ways. My artistic process makes me feel free. When I create, I feel like I’m making something out of nothing—turning thoughts and feelings into something tangible, something that can speak when words can’t. Art is where I’m most myself, and studying it will help me continue evolving as both a creator and a leader in the art world.

Growing up in an under-resourced community, I learned early on the power of creativity—even when resources are limited. I’ve always enjoyed being creative through painting, baking, and making art in any form I could. Dancing helps me express emotions I can’t always put into words, and animation, which I learned through SkillsUSA, opened my eyes to entirely new ways of storytelling. These experiences have shaped how I see the world: full of color, possibility, and expression—even in places that don’t always have access to formal art spaces. Because I know what it feels like not always to have access to programs or materials, I want to change that for the next generation. I plan to give back to youth in under-resourced communities by creating accessible art opportunities and eventually becoming an art curator who uplifts unknown, overlooked, and emerging young artists. I want to help kids see that their creativity matters, their voices deserve to be heard, and that art isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline. I’ve seen firsthand how art can boost confidence, provide emotional release, and help young people discover their identity. Unfortunately, in many communities like mine, creative programs are often the first to be cut. Many students go without the materials, instruction, or encouragement to explore their creativity. That’s why I want to step in—not only to teach, but to inspire. My vision is to launch community-based workshops where youth can experiment with different types of art: painting, digital design, animation, collage, and more. These would be free or low-cost programs hosted at schools, libraries, or local community centers—places that are familiar, comfortable, and accessible. In the short term, I want to host youth art showcases and mural projects that bring visibility to student talent. These events would highlight the beauty and power of creativity in neighborhoods that are too often overlooked. In the long term, my dream is to establish a nonprofit art space focused on youth empowerment through the arts. As a future art curator, I want to use galleries and exhibitions not just to display professional work, but to give young, underrepresented artists a platform to shine. My experiences have prepared me to lead this mission. I’ve grown as a leader through the student council and as a member of an all-girls service group called the Smiling Flower Foundation. Both have taught me how to work in teams, support my peers, and take initiative to help others. Whether I’m organizing a volunteer event or encouraging someone through a project, I feel happiest when I’m creating and helping people. These activities reflect who I am—a creative, caring person who enjoys using her talents to make a positive impact. I also know how to blend art with innovation. Learning animation through SkillsUSA was a fun and exciting way for me to expand my skills, and I want to share those tools with younger students who may never have touched a graphic tablet or editing software before. Giving kids the chance to explore traditional and digital art can open up new paths for education, careers, and self-expression. Art changed my life, and now I want to be the person who helps it change someone else’s. I want to give youth the chance to feel proud of what they create, to see their work on a wall, in a gallery, or a digital showcase. Through visual arts, I hope to plant the seed of confidence and creativity in others, just like it was once planted in me.