While sports like wrestling and football battle their way through tough matches and games to earn awards, the East Meck arts program takes a more creative approach. Talented artists at East Meck have proved themselves to judges and artists all over North Carolina; some even have their work displayed in the Mint Museum.
Art teacher Tina Vincent has forged some astonishing talent in the 200 hall. This talent does not going unnoticed. With five artists recognized by the Scholastic Alliance for Young Artists, East Meck is nothing to look down on.
Artists Jessica Wilson, Natalie Galvez, Lillian Salvatore, Alexis Young and Neel Nian competed in the most presstigious competiton for high-schollers. the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. All five artists were given keys for their spectacular work. Three earned Gold keys, advancing to the national competition, while two received Silver Keys advancing to the regional competition.
Wilson won a scholarship for her two digital art pieces and was awarded Gold Keys for “Gluttony” and “Heresy.” “They were based on the poem Dante’s Inferno,” said Wilson. Recording a time of nine hours each, these pieces are staples in her art career.
She also recived honorable mentions for “Betrayal,” “Morning Pancakes,” and “Wrath.” She has a bright future ahead of her, going to SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a major in illustration.
Galvez was awarded a Gold Key for her piece “Envy.” She will be attending UNC Charlotte to further her artistic career.
As Galvez and Wilson prepare for college, junior Young has one more year. Awarded silver keys for her pieces, “Make a Wiah,” “Actual Feelings,” and “Self-Portrait,” she has more time to leave an impact on East
Meck’s campus. Despite its complexity, the inspiration behind “Make a Wish,” is quite simple. “I really wanted to make a piece with light,” Young said. This earned her a sliver key and the Adam’s Outdoor Billboard Award which means her piece “Make a Wish” will be displayed on a billboard in the region. Though she is unsure of where, Young’s desire to pursue art in her future is strong.
Although these upperclassemen are creating major artistic pieces throughout East Meck, the underclassmen are not going ignored. Salvatore, in 10th grade, won a gold key for her drawing and illustration “Happier.” and an Honorable Mention for her painting “All over again.” Alongside Salvatore, her peer, Nina, also in the 10th grade, was awarded a silver key for her printmaking “Flower Child.” Vincent has spectacular talent on her hands, ranging from under to upper class. East Meck’s arts program has been thriving, from small awards inside the region, to gold keys on a national basis, this contribnutes to a promising future.
