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Lorelei Shirey

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Acting And Theater
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Cinematography
  • Concerts
  • Cosplay
  • Girl Scouts
  • History
  • Human Rights
  • Movies And Film
  • Music
  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Orchestra
  • Painting and Studio Art
  • Philosophy
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Social Justice
  • Softball
  • Singing
  • Sleeping
  • Television
  • Theater
  • Viola
  • Videography
  • Video Editing and Production
  • Astronomy
  • Comics
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Archery
  • Beach
  • Choir
  • Cooking
  • Costume Design
  • Drawing And Illustration
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Baking
  • Basketball
  • Electric Guitar
  • Foreign Languages
  • French
  • Greek
  • Guitar
  • Japanese
  • Sewing
  • Shooting
  • Skateboarding
  • Soccer
  • Spanish
  • Reading
  • Songwriting
  • Special Effects and Stage Makeup
  • Self Care
  • Swimming
  • Volunteering

Reading

  • Classics
  • Gothic
  • Horror
  • Mystery
  • Novels
  • Plays
  • Science Fiction
  • Short Stories
  • Thriller

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

I am pursuing a major in the fine arts because I am going to pursue a career in visual art. I would like to gain a broader knowledge base about the different forms of visual art and how to apply them to my work. Currently, the primary forms of media that I work in are oil paint, graphite, watercolor and charcoal. It was stated recently, "I know she is going to art school, but what is she planning on doing for a REAL job?" I can not tell you the satisfaction I had when I heard that this was asked about me, because I honestly didn't think this was something people ask outside of movies & TV shows. I have been immersed in the art world for 6 years now and have such a supportive artistic family, that the idea of visual art being anything other than my "REAL JOB" has NEVER been proposed to me and has never been a thought for me. Art inspires many people to do great things and to change the world around them. Think about that one song, film or painting that just speaks to you in a way that no one else can ever even begin to understand, that is what I want to do. I desire to create pieces of art where at least one piece of work truly resonates with someone and makes them look outside themselves prompting them to think. Think about who they are and the world around them. I don't want to be the next Da Vinci or Basquiat, but rather someone completely new to the art world, something that will inspire a generation.

Education

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Fine and Studio Arts

South Mountain High School

High School

2019 – 2023

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Majors of interest:
Fine and Studio Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, General, Museology/Museum Studies

Career

  • Resident Advisor

    Hospitality · School of the Art Institute of Chicago

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Floor Associate - Customer service in a collectible store focusing on entertainment memorabilia, maintaining & organizing collectibles, stocking items

    Retail · Collectors Marketplace, LLC - Phoenix, AZ

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • Singer, Musician & Song Writer - Contribution on collaborative songs written by teens of Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers and produced by UBU Music & Solid Rock

    Music · UBU Music (FKA The UBU Project) - Non-Profit in Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2018 – Jan 2020

  • Visual & Performing Artist - for events both live painting and finished work, commercials, social media, videos - some work is with Alice Cooper, other work is specific to the Teen Centers

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2019 – Present

  • Actor - Roles of Mrs. Clara Corry/Chimney Sweep/Bank Clerk for Mary Poppins Jr.

    Performing Arts · Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Scottsdale, AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Singer - Live backing vocals for Robby Kreiger, Robin Zander and Alice Cooper w/ Tommy Thayer & Adrian Young at Alice’s Asylum Rock & Roll Bash Benefit Concert

    Music · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Actor - Role of Escaped Mental Patient at Alice’s Asylum Rock & Roll Bash Benefit Concert

    Performing Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Artist - Painting live during a presentation by the CEO of Dutch Brothers

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Musician & Singer - Violist & backing vocals for performance at Rock The Runway with Sheryl Cooper a benefit for Solid Rock

    Music · UBU Music (FKA The UBU Project) - Non-Profit in Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Model - Fashion model in Rock The Runway with Sheryl Cooper a benefit for Solid Rock

    Apparel & Fashion · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Singer - Chosen to perform in collaboration at the District Choral Honors Festival

    Music · Phoenix District #1

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Artist - Charcoal piece created for and displayed at the 64th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

    Arts · Phoenix District #1

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Musician - Selected as 2nd Chair Violist in the Greater Phoenix Music Festival

    Music · Phoenix Union High School District

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Artist - Featured artist in video about Solid Rock released online, produced by Caffeine Fix Phx; Publicly archived online

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Singer - Live backing vocals for the band Retro-Active feat: Alice Cooper in the LawRocks-Apalooza Global Benefit Concert; Publicly archived online

    Music · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Artist - Painting in Danzeisen Dairy commerical for Alice Cooper's Chocolate and Orange Scream Milk Bottles; Finished piece used in promotion pieces with Alice Cooper & CEO of Danzeisen Dairy; Hangs in the Mesa Rock Teen Center

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Actor & Musician - Role of student in group therapy & played viola in "I Will Stand Up for You" an anti-suicide play for the Speak Up Stand Up Save a Life Conference at GCU Phx, AZ

    Performing Arts · UBU Music (FKA The UBU Project) - Non-Profit in Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Singer - Live backing vocals at the UBU Light Your Corner of the World, Benefit Concert feat: David Simmons and his brother award winning actor J.K. Simmons

    Music · UBU Music (FKA The UBU Project) - Non-Profit in Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Artist - Painting of Nita Strauss' guitar "Jive" for an appreciation video with international release; Piece was auctioned for benefit of Solid Rock

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Artisit - Collaborative Mural of Alice Cooper displayed in the Arizona Coyotes Hockey Arena

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Artist - Painting of Fiesta Bowl Mascot & Marching Band for National Publicity Event announcing Alice Cooper as Parade Grand Marshal; Piece was purchased by Committee Chair

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

  • Artisit - Won 3rd place Nationally at the High School Level with submitted oil painting; Piece was displayed in the LeRoy Neiman Gallery in New York City

    Arts · LeRoy Neiman & Good Tidings Foundations

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

  • Artist - Collaborative painting of drumhead for the restaurant ChinoMex commercial

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

  • Artisit - Painting live on stage during Goodyear Rocks AZ concert; Finished piece was purchased by patron at end of the concert

    Arts · Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, Non-Profit - AZ

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2022

  • Photographer - BTS & Secondary - music videos and weddings

    Photography · Surreal Sister Photography - Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2022 – Present

  • Actor - the role of Bella Lamb in "Rehearsal for Murder" and the role of Jan in "GREASE"

    Performing Arts · South Mountain High School - Theater ASM ITS Troupe #4047

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Artist - Painting live on stage during the 2nd UBU Light Your Corner of the World Benefit Concert feat: David Simmons and his brother award winning actor J.K. Simmons; Finished piece was auctioned at the end of the night for the benefit of UBU

    Arts · UBU Music (FKA The UBU Project) - Non-Profit in Phoenix AZ

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Actor - Hippie/Ensemble for Dogfight

    Performing Arts · Desert Stages Theatre - Scottsdale Arizona

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Arts
Dream career goals:
Visual Artist
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Lotus Scholarship
After my parents divorced most everything fell onto my mother’s shoulders, she obtained an office position, so she no longer had to juggle 3 jobs and two kids. Still, I saw less and less of her, and when I did see her she was stressed. I watched her save our house from auction 3 times, try to fix our home as it was falling apart, all while having time to make mine and my sister's life as wonderful as possible. Showing up to all of my school recitals and helping me sell 1,500 girl scout cookies. However, this life eventually caught up to her and the facade broke. 2014 Father's day was cut short by a call from my half conscious mother to come help clean up the blood pool that went halfway into the hallway because her head split open after her brain completely shut down when standing up. She soon left her job on medical leave, and now as of 2023 she is on SSD because she is permanently disabled and unable to work because of her constant seizure activity. This led my sister and I to be the primary source of income for our family, following in our mothers footsteps. My mother has paved the way for my sister and I to be resourceful and determined women, to fight against the odds when they are all stacked against you. I am currently attending my dream university, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to become a successful comic artist. While this might sound like a silly way to help my family, I am doing so for my mom who was never able to pursue her dreams due to an unsupporting family and financial insecurity, a rebellion to those who said she couldn’t do what she wanted.
Pereira Art & Technology Scholarship
Rain, something that I love, scares me. Every storm that passes through, more and more of my childhood home gets destroyed. Bit by bit memories that I have left, and everything my mom has done to keep it together seems like it is for naught. It wasn’t always this way though, when I was first born my family was dual income. My father an over the road truck driver, and my mother, working 3 jobs to keep her, my sister, and I comfortable while my father was gone. After they divorced most everything fell onto my mother’s shoulders, she ended up being promoted to an office position, so she no longer had to juggle 3 jobs and two kids. Despite this, I saw less and less of her, and when I did see her she was stressed. I watched her save our house from auction 3 times, try to fix our home as it was falling apart, and at the same time have time to make mine and my sister's life as wonderful as possible. Showing up to all of my school recitals and helping me sell 1,500 girl scout cookies. However, this life eventually caught up to her and the facade broke. She had been working 90 to 100 hour weeks, and in 2014 Father's day was cut short by a call from my half conscious mother to come help clean up the blood pool that goes halfway into the hallway because her head split open after her brain completely shut down when standing up, causing her to collapse into a doorframe where then a 22lb freestanding mirror fell on her. I was nine. What I thought would be just an accident that my mom would soon recover from turned into a continuous lifelong struggle. Everything seemed to be proceeding as normal after she returned to work about a month and a half later. However, she would quickly become drained and unable to return to being the mother she was, no matter how hard she tried, from this point forward everything with her was different. We would soon find out why when at the beginning of 2018 she had a major seizure, what they thought at the time was a stroke. This was very startling to hear coming home from school, more unsettling news would come when in Fall 2019, I would hear that my mom almost crashed on the highway coming home from work. No news about how she was just that she passed out while driving, I would later learn that she actually had a seizure. She soon left her job on medical leave, and now as of 2023 she is on SSD because she is permanently disabled and unable to work because of her constant seizure activity. This led my sister and I to be the primary source of income for our family, following in our mothers footsteps to keep our house and our family afloat. My mother has paved the way for my sister and I to be resourceful and determined women, to fight against the odds when they are all stacked against you. I am currently attending my dream university, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to become a successful comic artist. While this might sound like a silly way to help my family, I am doing so for my mom who was never able to pursue her dreams due to unsupporting family and financial insecurity. It is my goal in life to make sure my mother, sister, and I are no longer afraid of the rain and can enjoy it once more.
Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
The image I have attached probably seems very underwhelming to be chosen as my favorite piece of art, I mean it’s nothing innovative, but it means everything to me. This is the cover for my first ever collection of comics. I am currently attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I came here for painting, but something inside me knew that would not be fulfilling. Ever since I was little I have adored superheroes and the stories that encircle them, but I thought pursuing the life of a cartoonist would be foolhardy, but then again so is going to art school. So, I decided last semester to take my first comics class. The work was hard, and it felt like a baptism by fire, but even with the long nights of non-stop work, I found myself wanting to create more and more. I wanted to push myself beyond my limits and see what would come of it. The comic collection that this cover encapsulates contains four stories, in each of them I tried something new. Whether it was a new art style, panel layout, or way of writing, I wanted to make sure I did not stay in one spot long enough to even develop a comfort zone. I wanted to find my voice, and to do that I had to try out everything. I still have not done everything yet, but we are getting there. What I am most proud of in this collection is what I produced for my final. The assignment was to create a comic that was eight to ten pages long, and furthers the themes of the previous stories. But once I started I could not stop. I ended up creating a twenty page story in the span of one month, that might seem like a long time to get that done, but boy was I sweating. I thought I bit off more than I could chew, but that was the point of taking this class, to see what I could do, to test my abilities. In the end I finished the story, it might not have been to the exact standards that I wanted it to be, but that was okay. I know this is going to sound corny, but his collection truly showed me that I can do the things that I put my mind to. This image means so much to me because it is not just a cover, it is a testament to the hard work I have done to get to where I am now. After producing this collection I decided that becoming a cartoonist is my calling, I want to work at a major comic house like DC or Dark Horse to add my voice into the comics cultural zeitgeist.
This Woman's Worth Inc. Scholarship
I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve simply because I have them. I know that might seem like a silly or selfish thing to say, but it's true. There is typically an urge in society today to explain your worth to people, to state why you deserve this, that and the other, but I think the act of having a dream to achieve something in life is enough. In my experience as a woman I have felt the need to prove myself to others my whole life, to prove that I am not only equal to that of my male counterparts, but better. I was raised primarily by my mother, who I watched deal with these same issues on a daily basis. She worked over one-hundred hours a week to provide for me and my sister as a 'Digital & Customer Engagement Marketing Specialist' in the headquarters for a large grocer company. I watched as she worked tooth and nail at that company to get promotions, only to be overlooked every time. In exchange they would promote a man that she trained. They would always come to her with their problems, but she never reaped the benefits. One day this nearly killed her. Since she had not had much sleep due to her long hours, one morning getting up from bed her brain shut down and she collapsed head first into the door frame, subsequently a 22 pound freestanding mirror fell and struck her on the back of her head. She sustained the equivalent of eight major concussions and split open her forehead. Prior to this incident, her job, and even me, when she was little she had dreams of becoming a Paleontologist, but her family told her she would never make any money doing that and if she decided to pursue that career they wouldn't assist her with any of her schooling. When she was about to enter college she wanted to become an Olympic archer, she went to school far out of state and that dream was also thwarted. She then had new aspirations of working in a museum alongside Paleontologists, however due to lack of finances and an unsupportive family, she was never able to complete her degree. My mother lost the chances to achieve her dreams, and now she no longer works due to her injuries and reminisces on what could have been. I love her so very dearly, she molded me into the person that I am today, any time I expressed interest in anything she would figure out a way for me to do it. I never needed to give an explanation. And when I told her I wanted to become an artist she never told me I wouldn't make any money or never make a name for myself, but instead became my number one cheerleader. I now attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and dream of working for Detective Comics as an illustrator, and while I am only able to afford it through a full time summer job, work-study, my RA position, and loans, I am so lucky for this opportunity and for my mother who helped me get to this point. My mother raised me to never explain my worth to others, nor why I deserve to achieve my dreams and even if I do not receive the money from this scholarship, or any other, I will achieve my dreams, because I am worth it.
Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
I was a teen and am currently a part time volunteer at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center in Phoenix, Arizona. There I developed not only my artistic skills but my business and collaborative skills. As I evolved as an artist I was given opportunities to create pieces for the teen center and events that they would host, this was a whole new realm for middle school me who only ever had to worry about completing her color wheel assignment on time. So, getting the chance to create something on a much larger scale than I ever had was such an exciting opportunity. One instance that comes to mind is when a local restaurant called "Chino-Mex" asked the teen center if there were any teens that could create a commercial for them, and I was one of the teens that was chosen to be a part of that project. It was a group of roughly eight people, including myself, and we all had differing roles. However, one major role that we all shared was coming up with the story of the commercial, what would get a viewer's attention? Now, all we knew were the commercials we saw on Disney Channel and Cartoon Network so we thought this was the perfect opportunity to come up with a cinematic masterpiece. I was a part of the film and photography classes as well as the "local visual artist", So I was in charge of some of the artistic aspects, but primarily the camera. While coming up with the actual story of the commercial was a bit difficult things began to smooth out once we actually started filming. The only snag was trying to get a bunch of teenagers to focus. After our part of the commercial was done we gave the footage to the restaurant owners for them to do what they wished with it. I'm not even sure if they ended up finishing the commercial, which is a little disappointing, but the whole experience gave middle school me the opportunity to see what it is really like to collaborate with others to create something for a commissioner, which has helped me beyond description. I am now a rising Sophomore in college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and during my summer home I was commissioned to create flyers for a company that hosts local toy shows and cons throughout the year. My experience with past collaborative projects have taught me how to properly handle working with commissioners, communicating with them during the process, and producing an end product that they are proud to show.
Learner Mental Health Empowerment for Health Students Scholarship
When it came to my education my parents wanted the best for me, and preschool was no exception. Choosing the right school was their top priority; so when it came down to it they put me in Khalsa Montessori. Khalsa was the epitome of every “child matters” and they truly knew what it meant to be inclusive. As a student I was allowed to choose what I wanted to learn and my teachers knew the best way to help me grow and move forward in my academic journey. However, as I grew and eventually moved schools I found that not all educators would be as caring as others. Third grade was my first taste of that, I had a teacher who would use academics as a weapon and instill fear into children between the ages of six and nine. I had her in my ear for a whole year telling me that if I didn’t pass the big test at the end of the year I would be held back and watch all my friends move on to fourth grade without me. That stuck with me, and as I progressed in school so did my anxiety. I became a perfectionist and would become physically unwell if any test scores were lower than eighty percent. The first time I got a C in in eighth grade I cried so hard I couldn’t see. My Mom had no idea how to help me, and I didn’t know how to help myself. I wanted to do well and enjoy school but every time I tried it seemed to be the reason I would fall deeper into depression. I decided to try a work on myself when I got to high school I made sure I sat in the front of the class, did my work on time and tried to ask for help, but I just didn’t understand the curriculum and it felt like I was always falling further and further behind. This situation was not helped by being put in lockdown, during this time I was ghosted by the few friends I made in school, so I isolated myself from talking to anyone, and even though I passed my classes I became dangerously depressed. I wouldn’t take care of my basic needs such as brushing my teeth, showering and even eating, I had no desire to continue doing anything. Even when school became in-person again for my junior year, I only talked to one girl in the morning and then sat alone for the rest of the day. Even though I was in NHS and had a decent GPA I was constantly worried that I would flunk and be rejected from any colleges I applied to. My senior year, I decided enough was enough and I truly applied myself not only academically but socially. I started socializing in class and even signed up for the fall play. I created a safe space to be myself and relieve my anxieties and even helped relieve some academic stress. I had allies in every corner and I finally realized how loved and supported I was. I was able to rekindle my passion for theater while also maintaining my grades enough to be accepted into my dream school. I got awarded thespian of the year and even spoke for my academy at graduation. I was able to accomplish all of this despite my depression and anxiety by building a proper support system and realizing that I am only human, and I am allowed to be imperfect and make mistakes.
WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
Visual artist Keith Haring made a huge splash in the 1980s through his political street art that would touch on political topics such as the AIDs epidemic and the war on drugs. He was able to bring mass awareness to these topics and many more just through his art. I am currently attending my dream school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I am so excited. Not only because I have been waiting to go to this university since seventh grade, but also because I am so beyond excited for the skills that this school will help me attain not only as an artist but as a person. I plan to use my newfound experiences that SAIC will give me, to broaden my perspective on society and how I can use my art as a voice for change. There are many things I would like to change about this world, and when I am feeling hopeless I often feel I have no say in what happens and that I don't have the skill set of someone who could draft legislation or someone that can run for office. But, then I remember musicians and visual artists who were able to make a real difference just by bringing to light serious topics that people wanted to pretend didn't exist, like Keith Haring. While I do not live in a big city, I strive to make just as big of an impact. While all forms of art can be very beautiful, as I have stated before, art can also make an impact. Art is also how we are able to make the impossible possible, whether it is video games, architecture or engineering you need art. I want to make paintings that are so beautiful and awe-inspiring that people can't help but stop and think about what they might be about. I want to be able to build a platform big enough where I can influence others for the good of society. I want to be able to not only bring awareness to these tough topics facing our culture but also bring joy in the darkness, and find beauty in a world where so many people feel hopeless and like there is nothing left. I want to be there to show not only the youth but everyone that there still can be amazing things created despite the chaos.
Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
Eve, an oil painting 16" x 20", is the first piece of art I created when I came to my dream school this past semester, School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Everything about this piece is a first, first time assembling stretcher bars, my first time stretching canvas, and my first assignment in my first college painting class. I wanted to make a good first impression on my professor and my peer, and produce something that says, "I belong here, I am good enough to be here." Though an assignment, I wanted to make sure this piece still read as one of my own, the assignment was to make a collage out of magazine pictures and turn it into a painting. I was inspired by images from 1950s and 60s magazines, as I have an affinity for vintage aesthetics. I wanted to also try and produce a narrative through this work, (since that is one of the things I am working on as an artist). Through this painting I wanted to convey a sense of temptation via biblical imagery, i.e.: angel/devil or apple/God. Overall though, I wanted to make sure the viewer felt like they were being watched along with the main subject, as if being a bystander of this act is just as sinful as the act itself. I have always been inspired by classical theological works that you study in class, every time I looked at one of them I was awe-struck, (and still am). These paintings are there for a reason, everything about them is masterful, and they deserve to be there. I want my works to be one of those paintings you study in class, the ones that are staples in the curriculum, the ones that inspire other people, the ones that people stop and admire. I came to SAIC to try and refine my skills to achieve that dream. I want my works to deserve a place in not only art history but history itself, and I know that may be an overconfident statement, but it is true, this is the dogma I live by in my works. Everything is growth, such as this piece. Everything is a step toward that goal, so I chose this painting. Not only is this painting the one I am currently most proud of but it is also very important to me since it is literally and symbolically the first step in the next part of my journey to reach that life goal.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
I am an artist. That is who I am through and through. I am currently enrolled to attend the School of The Art Institute of Chicago this fall. I would like to gain a broader knowledge base about the different forms of visual art and how to apply them to my work. Currently, the primary forms of media that I work in are oil paint, graphite, watercolor and charcoal. It was stated recently, "I know she is going to art school, but what is she planning on doing for a REAL job?" I can not tell you the satisfaction I had when I heard that this was asked about me, because I honestly didn't think this was something people ask outside of movies & TV shows. I have been immersed in the art world for 6 years now and have such a supportive artistic family, that the idea of visual art being anything other than my "REAL JOB" has NEVER been proposed to me and has never been a thought for me. Art inspires many people to do great things and to change the world around them. Think about that one song, film or painting that just speaks to you in a way that no one else can ever even begin to understand, that is what I want to do. I desire to create pieces of art where at least one piece of work truly resonates with someone and makes them look outside themselves prompting them to think. Think about who they are and the world around them. I don't want to be the next Da Vinci or Basquiat, but rather someone completely new to the art world, something that will inspire a generation.
Wendy Alders Cartland Visual Arts Scholarship
People often think that receiving a degree in the arts is a waste of time and money, but I would beg to differ. Being an artist doesn't mean that your talents are useless, there have been many artists over the years that have been able to make an impact on society using painting or drawing as their voice. For example, visual artist Keith Haring made a huge splash in the 1980s through his political street art that would touch on political topics such as the AIDs epidemic and the war on drugs. He was able to bring mass awareness to these topics and many more just through his art. I am currently attending my dream school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I am so excited. Not only because I have been waiting to go to this university since seventh grade, but also because I am so beyond excited for the skills that this school will help me attain not only as an artist but as a person. I plan to use my newfound experiences that SAIC will give me, to broaden my perspective on society and how I can use my art as a voice for change. There are many things I would like to change about this world, and when I am feeling hopeless I often feel I have no say in what happens and that I don't have the skill set of someone who could draft legislation or someone that can run for office. But, then I remember musicians and visual artists who were able to make a real difference just by bringing to light serious topics that people wanted to pretend didn't exist, like Keith Haring. While I do not live in a big city, like New York where acts like that can be easily recognized, I strive to make just as big of an impact. While all forms of art can be very beautiful, as I have stated before, art can also make an impact. Art is also how we are able to make the impossible possible, whether it is video games, architecture or engineering you need art. I want to make paintings that are so beautiful and awe-inspiring that people can't help but stop and think about what they might be about. I want to be able to build a platform big enough where I can influence others for the good of society. I want to be able to not only bring awareness to these tough topics facing our culture but also bring joy in the darkness, and find beauty in a world where so many people feel hopeless and like there is nothing left. I want to be there to show not only the youth but everyone that there still can be amazing things created despite the chaos.
Combined Worlds Scholarship
Exposure to different ways of life is a very beneficial experience for everyone, no matter how young or old. Even the most basic understanding of cultural and societal differences can help broaden one's mind and how they view the world. I was exposed to traveling at a young age through my dad, a cross-country truck driver. Every so often, during long school breaks, I could tag along with him. I live in Arizona, and since my breaks weren't very long I only ever traveled the west coast with him. Despite that, I was still very excited and grateful to see new places. I had many more opportunities to travel to different states like Florida and New York, but I had never experienced life outside the United States. As a Girl Scout I learn tons of skills and travel to many new places, well places in Arizona, but in 2018 I found a program that helped Girl Scouts travel outside of the country. I was so excited, and I knew exactly the first place I wanted to go to: Peru. From my first day there I was already in shock, from my surroundings to the people everything was different. One of my favorite things that I experienced while there was the people's reaction to the Peru soccer team standings in the Copa America Tournament. It was rare for their team to get far, but I was invested the entire trip. Their team reached the semi-finals, and in the heart of Lima, the streets were packed with anyone and everyone. All eyes were on the game, energy high, then they lost. I was devastated, I felt so bad for everyone rooting for them and for the team. But when I looked around everyone was still happy. It was as if they were moving on to the finals. Smoke the color of their flag was burning bright, horns were blaring and music was flowing its way through the city. I didn't understand why everyone was so excited about it. Their team worked so hard just to lose. Then my group's tour guide explained to me that even though they lost this was the first time in a long time that they had gotten this far. There were obvious differences between the U.S. and Peru, such as language and food, but I think this was the most jarring one. In the U.S. people take their sports very seriously, especially when they lose, but Peru was different. Everyone was just happy to be there and to have experienced this. It helped me to learn to not take things too seriously and just enjoy life. There are many more things to be learned through travel, and I highly encourage everyone if they have the means to go outside of their norm and experience a different country's way of life.
Connie Konatsotis Scholarship
People often think that receiving a degree in the arts is a waste of time and money, but I would beg to differ. Being an artist doesn't mean that your talents are useless, there have been many artists over the years that have been able to make an impact on society using painting or drawing as their voice. For example, visual artist Keith Haring made a huge splash in the 1980s through his political street art that would touch on political topics such as the AIDs epidemic and the war on drugs. He was able to bring mass awareness to these topics and many more just through his art. I am weeks away from attending my dream school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I can't wait for this experience. Not only because I have been waiting to attend this university since seventh grade, but also because I am so beyond excited for the skills that this school will help me attain not only as an artist but as a person. While in school I plan to use my newfound experiences to broaden my perspective on society and how I can use my art as a voice for change. There are many things I would like to change about this world, and when I am feeling hopeless I often feel I have no say in what happens and that I don't have the skill set of someone who could draft legislation or someone that can run for office. But, then I remember musicians and visual artists who were able to make a real difference just by bringing to light serious topics that people wanted to pretend didn't exist, like Keith Haring. While I do not live in a big city, like New York where acts like that can be easily recognized, I strive to make just as big of an impact. What interests me about 'STEAM', is that it has truly brought together two worlds that people often thought weren't related in any way shape or form. The addition of the arts into what was originally 'STEM' has helped children and young adults understand that the arts do have a proper place in society. While all forms of art can be very beautiful, as I have stated before, art can also make an impact. Art is also how we are able to make the impossible possible, whether it is video games, architecture or engineering you need art. I want to make paintings that are so beautiful and awe-inspiring that people can't help but stop and think about what they might be about. I want to be able to build a platform big enough where I can influence others for the good of society. I want to be able to not only bring awareness to these tough topics facing our culture but also bring joy in the darkness, and find beauty in a world where so many people feel hopeless and like there is nothing left. I want to be there to show them that there still can be amazing things created despite the chaos.
VNutrition & Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship
People often think that receiving a degree in the arts is a waste of time and money, but I would beg to differ. Being an artist doesn't mean that your talents are useless, there have been many artists over the years that have been able to make an impact on society using painting or drawing as their voice. For example, visual artist Keith Haring made a huge splash in the 1980s through his political street art that would touch on political topics such as the AIDs epidemic and the war on drugs. He was able to bring mass awareness to these topics and many more just through his art. I am weeks away from attending my dream school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and I can't wait for this experience. Not only because I have been waiting to attend this university since seventh grade, but also because I am so beyond excited for the skills that this school will help me attain not only as an artist but as a person. While in school I plan to use my newfound experiences to broaden my perspective on society and how I can use my art as a voice for change. There are many things I would like to change about this world, and when I am feeling hopeless I often feel I have no say in what happens and that I don't have the skill set of someone who could draft legislation or someone that can run for office. But, then I remember musicians and visual artists who were able to make a real difference just by bringing to light serious topics that people wanted to pretend didn't exist, like Keith Haring. While I do not live in a big city, like New York where acts like that can be easily recognized, I strive to make just as big of an impact. I want to make paintings that are so beautiful and awe-inspiring that people can't help but stop and think about what they might be about. I want to be able to build a platform big enough where I can influence others for the good of society. I want to be able to not only bring awareness to these tough topics facing our culture but also bring joy in the darkness, and find beauty in a world where so many people feel hopeless and like there is nothing left. I want to be there to show them that there still can be amazing things created despite the chaos.
TBC Academic Scholarship
The ability to learn how to put my emotional health before the needs of others when it comes to friendships, has been one of the greatest obstacles I have faced. When I was little, I would think other kids were my friends as soon as we met. I didn’t have the life skills to know who they were as a person in order to determine if they had my best interests at heart. As a result, I would simply walk up to the first person I saw at school and, because they seemed nice, I thought, “You’re my friend now”. That was fine when I was in preschool. In fact, I am still extremely close with two friends I met then. However, after I moved schools in the middle of first grade, I gradually began to learn a new side of people that took years for me to understand. The students I met when I transferred schools seemed nice, and I treated them in the way I knew how to be friends. In reality, these people didn’t like me, one girl in particular. Since they were little and didn’t know how to kindly express their feelings, they instead, pretended to like me for the next five years. Then, during sixth grade, I was relentlessly bullied, and one person ended up turning our small class against me. This bully convinced my classmates that I was rich, because of the things I was able to experience, which were perks of my mom’s job. I would have to explain to them, “No we got this for free”, and regularly tell them “I have less money than you do”. Then, in the middle of sixth grade, one classmate told me how our class had a vote, led by my bully, and it was decided that they thought I shouldn’t exist. I know the girl who told me was doing the right thing by letting me know this, but sometimes I wish she had never told me. I actually gained some strength from discovering this and confronted my classmates. Most of them stated, “I only said that because she (my bully) was saying that, but I don’t really think it, I like you.” I realize now, that they were scared, but at the time I no longer trusted these people and this caused suspicion of everyone. I became deeply depressed and this started my severe anxiety related to social interactions. This experience caused severe self-esteem issues and now when genuine friends do things for me, I truly don’t feel it is done because they like me. I still think my friends do things to either make fun of me behind my back or to feel good about themselves, which is obviously unfair to them. All of this has been a regular focus within my counseling sessions. However, I still am unable to comfortably define interactions and struggle to create connections that are deeper than acquaintances. I am a huge people-pleaser. I don’t want anyone to be mad, sad or hurt. I am actively working on seeing people in shades of friendship, rather than as either friends or acquaintances; I realize it is not that cut and dry. In addition, I have had to learn how to put myself first in a healthy way. With the help of my counselor and my immediate family, I am starting to realize I am worthy of existing, and I hold value as I am and others do care about me.
Mental Health Scholarship for Women
When it came to my education my parents wanted the best for me, and preschool was no exception. Choosing the right school was their top priority; so when it came down to it they put me in Khalsa Montessori. Khalsa was the epitome of every “child matters” and they truly knew what it meant to be inclusive. As a student I was allowed to choose what I wanted to learn and my teachers knew the best way to help me grow and move forward in my academic journey. However, as I grew and eventually moved schools I found that not all educators would be as caring as others. Third grade was my first taste of that, I had a teacher who would use academics as a weapon and instill fear into children between the ages of six and nine. I had her in my ear for a whole year telling me that if I didn’t pass the big test at the end of the year I would be held back and watch all my friends move on to fourth grade without me. That stuck with me, and as I progressed in school so did my anxiety. I became a perfectionist and would become physically unwell if any test scores were lower than eighty percent. The first time I got a C in in eighth grade I cried so hard I couldn’t see. My Mom had no idea how to help me, and I didn’t know how to help myself. I wanted to do well and enjoy school but every time I tried it seemed to be the reason I would fall deeper into depression. I decided to try a work on myself when I got to high school I made sure I sat in the front of the class, did my work on time and tried to ask for help, but I just didn’t understand the curriculum and it felt like I was always falling further and further behind. This situation was not helped by being put in lockdown, during this time I was ghosted by the few friends I made in school, so I isolated myself from talking to anyone, and even though I passed my classes I became dangerously depressed. I wouldn’t take care of my basic needs such as brushing my teeth, showering and even eating, I had no desire to continue doing anything. Even when school became in-person again for my junior year, I only talked to one girl in the morning and then sat alone for the rest of the day. Even though I was in NHS and had a decent GPA I was constantly worried that I would flunk and be rejected from any colleges I applied to. My senior year, I decided enough was enough and I truly applied myself not only academically but socially. I started socializing in class and even signed up for the fall play. I created a safe space to be myself and relieve my anxieties and even helped relieve some academic stress. I had allies in every corner and I finally realized how loved and supported I was. I was able to rekindle my passion for theater while also maintaining my grades enough to be accepted into my dream school. I got awarded thespian of the year and even spoke for my academy at graduation. I was able to accomplish all of this despite my depression and anxiety by building a proper support system and realizing that I am only human, and I am allowed to be imperfect and make mistakes.
Good People, Cool Things Scholarship
I am an artist. When people hear that statement they usually are confused, they will say things like, “Yeah, but what do you want to do when you get older?” or “That’s a nice hobby”. However, just a hobby is not what art is to me; It is my passion, my love and my life. I express my innermost thoughts and feelings through my work, and I am going to make as much of an impact on the world with my art as my art has had on my life. I view the works of influential artists throughout history, such as Da Vinci and Basquait, and see how I can develop my work to become as inspirational for others as theirs was for me. I want to be able to convey complex emotions through my art, I want people to have their own Ferris Bueller's Day Off Moment with one of my pieces. I want people to view my work and truly connect with it, I want to be able to share my personal beliefs and hopefully make a difference in the world. Although I work in different mediums, I enjoy painting in oil the most because of its flexibility and forgiving nature, which allows me the ability to take my time, even step away when I get stuck and come back later to pick up where I left off. I find it is smoother than acrylic, giving me more freedom to blend and create texture over time. As a whole, I connect tactilely with my art through the smell of the oil paint, the feeling of that one special eraser I use against the paper and the motion of my hands as they put down the image in my head. It is the connection with my mediums as well as my thoughts that pull me to do another piece. If I had an extra 24 hours in the day I would spend it painting. I feel most creative after all of my previous obligations of the day have been fulfilled, so if I had an extra 24 hours I would be able to do more of what I love and make my artistic visions come to fruition. I would be able to create without the pressures of everyday life, and truly invest myself in my work. I want to expand how I create and with an extra 24 hours of peak creativity, I can improve my skills and achieve my artistic goals.
Spider-Man Showdown Scholarship
Who is the best Spider-Man? When I first read this prompt I immediately knew my answer, but my word alone doesn’t make something or someone the best. So, I turned to the people I know and asked them the same question. I received a variety of answers, and reasons like: “Tobey, because I grew up with him” and “Tom, I don’t know I just really like him as Spider-Man”, everything I heard was more than valid, however, some reasons really caught my attention. Each time someone answered Andrew, I saw not only a true love and devotion for Spider-Man in the films, but Spider-Man as a whole. This was because they identify with Andrew’s Peter on an emotional level and they feel his portrayal is the most true to the comics. Before I can state who is the best Spider-Man, I have to tell you who Spider-Man is. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the first appearance of Spider-Man was in August of 1962, he was developed to give young readers a new youthful hero to look up to while still being relatable. When he was first introduced Peter Parker didn’t have cosmic problems, he was just an everyday high schooler that struggled with anxiety, self-esteem and financial issues. However, Spider-Man quickly became a prominent sidekick turned hero, and unlike those of comic past he didn’t have a superhero mentor, although he did have the guiding hand of his uncle and other adult figures in his life. His comics contained the societal and political struggles of 1960s youth and how he as a hero and citizen dealt with them. For the younger generation, Spider-Man became a symbol to strive towards something greater, even when life deals bad cards, Spider-Man taught them to help others and be the best version of themselves. How does this apply to Andrew? The reason his Peter Parker captured so many Spider-Man fans around the globe is, simply put, he embodied everything Spider-Man is and was. His movies perfectly show Peter’s journey to becoming a true hero. Peter is an outcast, bullied and berated, he is so powerless that he can’t even fight his own battles and all he has is himself. He can’t even go to his aunt and uncle, even though they love him dearly. Andrew’s portrayal truly shows how alone Peter felt, this is why it was so impactful when Peter got his powers, he finally had a sense of control in his life that he had never experienced before. He developed into the best version of himself after multiple trials and tribulations. Unlike, others in his situation he learned to grow from his pain and that nothing good would come from seeking vengeance. Peter went from the skinny nerd who couldn’t possibly be weaker to someone given the chance to fly above everything, both literally and figuratively, while becoming a better version of himself. He chose to be himself and not let the darkness of life and the world corrupt him, always getting up even if it would be easier not to. Andrew’s Peter never gave up on others, even when he was at his lowest he chose to make the lives of others better. I believe that Andrew shared that same passion, and in my opinion, his movies reflect that in a way that Tobey’s and Tom’s representation of Spider-Man couldn’t achieve. The entire feeling of Andrew’s films, from the swinging, the acting to the way they wrote the story, shows the freedom and weight that comes with being Spider-Man, making Andrew the best.
Barbie Dream House Scholarship
Hi, Barbie's, Ken's and Allan! As an artist Barbie, my Dream House is very spacious to make room for all of the accessories I come with, including but not limited to, paints, brushes, an easel and multiple canvases. My extension set (which is sold separately) contains two cats, Kit Kat and Bella. The creative team at Mattel wanted to put a new spin on the generic Barbie Dream House that the world has grown to know. My Dream House resembles a High Victorian Gothic manor and includes a grand window to view the magnificent landscape, heavy dark red velvet curtains and intricate wallpaper. Mattel thought it would be a bold move to make my Dream House made out of dark stone, and just as well because it complements the aesthetic of the Dream House very nicely. Mattel wanted to place my Dream House in a setting that would juxtapose the darkness of my house, so they thought it would be nice to have it set in Iceland. Even though, you would not see this kind of architecture in Iceland in the real world, in Barbieland anything is possible! Needless to say, I was very excited about this creative decision. On the ground floor, there is a high ceiling lined with stone and dark wooden arches, a living room that contains a giant bookshelf with any book that I could ever want, a luxurious sitting area and of course a television plus an Xbox (I mean artist Barbie has hobbies other than art you know). I also have a dining room and an old greenhouse that was made into an art studio for maximum lighting and ambiance. Then to the next level which is led to by a grand staircase lined with a crimson red carpet. My bedroom resembles the furniture in the living room using dark wood and has a high four-post bed with deep red curtains. I have a wooden armoire to hold all of my clothes and accessories (which are sold separately). Connected to my room through a door there is another similarly sized room that is set up for my two adorable menaces, Kit Kat and Bella. This room is any cat's dream which includes tables filled with things that they can knock off, plastic straw wrappers to bat around, tons of paper bags to crawl in, extra soft pillows to lay on and of course feathers. There is also a small sitting room on this level which is reserved for listening to music and has all of my vinyls, cassettes and CDs, ranging from Camille Saint-Saëns to My Chemical Romance. This room has a bay window that looks out onto the beautiful Icelandic landscape where you can perfectly make out Gullfoss, also known as "Golden Waterfall". It is the perfect room, (and my personal favorite), I can relax and take in the world around me while listening to my most cherished songs. Mattel knew anything that I could ever want in a house and they executed it perfectly. I love my Dream House and all of the amazing features that it comes with. I am very happy to call this place home.
Eras Tour Farewell Fan Scholarship
I sat and drew in the middle of the floor between my mom's empty cubicle and another waiting for her to return from a meeting with some buyer so we could go home and eat dinner. My mom finally came back after what felt like forever (or at least forever to a seven-year-old), she seemed very happy and I could see she was holding some papers. I stood up to meet her and she handed me the papers, she told me that one of the buyers gifted them to her after hearing she had a young daughter and he thought I would enjoy it, but I remember very clearly staring at the paper in confusion and asking my mom, "Who's Taylor Swift?" She told me that she was a singer and these were tickets to her upcoming tour 'Red'. I was very grateful that we were given these tickets, especially since we couldn't usually afford to, but I felt bad. I didn't know who this singer was and I didn't even know any of her songs so I felt like I would be a fraud going to her concert without knowing any of her songs, so over the next week my mom and I got all of her CDs and listened to them any chance we got. The excitement started to build, this would be my first concert ever and as I continued to listen to her music I became glad that I got to have Taylor be the first musician I see live. I waited and listened until it reached the end of May, the concert; I was ready. We got to the arena and I didn't know what to expect, there were so many people. As we were walking to our seats my mom explained to me that we would be sitting in a box and that these were very expensive seats, so I knew they were going to be good but I still didn't know what to expect from Taylor. I stood next to the glass barrier and watched her emerge from the darkness of the stage, I was so excited I couldn't contain my screams. Over the next hour and a half, I was entranced, I had never been to a concert before but I knew nothing could ever top this. Taylor became my favorite artist, but in 2014 a statement like that could get you severely ridiculed. I would start lying when people would ask who my favorite artist was and have to pretend to hate Taylor so I wouldn't get bullied. When 1989 came out I got the pre-order and of course, begged my mom to go to the concert, she thought she was an amazing artist as well so that didn't take much convincing. Her music and concerts brought me so much joy that when the Reputation tour rolled around I was going to be unable to attend the Arizona show, I was crushed. However, that didn't stop us. We drove to Texas to hear her sing, and I am so glad at that time we were able to do that because when they announced the Eras Tour so much had happened personally and financially in our lives that we just couldn't afford to go. I was devastated because her music helped me become more confident in myself and stand up to others. This new generation of young Taylor fans can proudly sing her songs, and I thought to myself, maybe another nine-year-old can see Taylor emerge from the darkness for the first time and fall in love.
Lorelei Shirey Student Profile | Bold.org