Expression in art allows artists to communicate in a way words simply cannot and is an invitation for engagement. For OH senior Samia Britt, art is something therapeutic to her, a method of self-discovery, reflecting her experiences and values.
“I’d spend hours upon hours drawing, crafting, creating. It was the only thing that ever made sense to me when I felt confused or lost,” said OH senior Samia Britt, one of OH’s talented aspiring art students.
Jurors from the Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition recognized the technical prowess and unique expression in one of Britt’s sculptures, awarding her an honorable mention for the piece.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Competition is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious competition, recognizing students’ achievements in 28 categories regarding visual arts and literacy. This competition offers the opportunity for recognition, exhibition, publication, and many scholarships to participants and students from grades 7-12.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I received in the [Scholastic] art competition,” said Britt. “I love having the ability to create, since art is a huge passion of mine. I feel like I was made to do this.”
Out of all the participants in this competition, four students from OH had been recognized for the Gold and Silver keys, along with four students who were awarded an honorable mention. Winners of the Gold Key will advance to a National Competition that took place in March.
Britt specializes in sculpture, often showcasing animals in her pieces. Fittingly, her sculpture of a weasel, titled “The Deceiving Bandit,” was awarded an honorable mention.
“The weasel is hilarious because it’s so mischievous,” said OH Fine Arts teacher Aaron Kolkay, Britt’s current art instructor. “Putting it in a human situation is super quirky and kind of captures your attention to combine animals with these human features.”
Britt’s passion for art began when she was very young, spending most of her free time doodling, making crafts from scratch, and painting.
“At 18 months, she would try to hold a pencil to draw loops and circles,” said her mother. “I am proud to say that those loops and circles have become art worthy of an award.”
Like most high school students, Britt has struggled to decide which career she should pursue. What she does know, however, is that art will be included in her future endeavors.
“She can go far as she wants to go, really, because that work’s beautiful,” said Kolkay.
Britt is an inspiration to many young students to include their creative interest into their career path. In the midst of the uncertainty of life, she is certain that she can rely on her skills of art to lead her to a successful future.
