One of the most rewarding things about teaching at Holt School is having kids who grow up with us. Over the years we are able to see them grow as both an artist and a person. We see the way their artistic interests and their personalities change along the way. This is true for Caitlyn, who started classes with us in first grade and will soon be graduating high school.
As a first grader, Caitlyn dreamed of becoming an art teacher, which fueled her interest in and dedication to learning more about art. She has learned from many of Holt School's teachers along the way. "Along my journey, mentors like Mrs. Kate, Mr. Joe, Ms. LaDara, and especially Ms. Ebony, who I now consider a friend, have profoundly influenced my development. Their guidance has made each weekly session—a time I cherish with fellow artists—an inspiring experience."
Caitlyn has enjoyed drawing and painting many different subjects over her
journey with Holt School. "My current focus is on charcoal portraits, primarily of friends and family. Although I've previously enjoyed sketching my cat and various landscapes, I've recently tapped into this new aspect of my talent. Art for me isn't about pursuing a professional career; it's a way to unwind and disconnect, allowing my creativity to flow freely across the paper."
When asked about her greatest accomplishments, Caitlyn tells us, "While I've taken some time to hone my specialty in charcoal, I've grown particularly proud of my portrait work. Each piece not only gets faster to complete but also shows my improving skill."
You won't be getting your hands on a Caitlyn Smith original anytime soon as each piece is intended for someone close to her. "Instead of selling my art, I find joy in creating personalized gifts for family and friends, marking special occasions with unique, hand-drawn memories."
After graduation, Caitlyn will be pursuing degrees in Global Studies and Japanese. For now, she continues to find joy in art as a hobby and plans to continue doing charcoal in her spare time. After 11 years it is bittersweet to see Caitlyn move on to the next chapter of her life and we will miss having her in class all the time. We are glad that art will continue to be a place for her to find joy and unwind.
Comments