By Samm Sharp Posted June 6, 2019
Life-long artist Myia Ray was chosen for Artist of the Year. Ray has been creatively expanding her artistry for about 13 years now and has been involved with Lowry’s Art Department since freshman year. However, her expressive nature somehow led her to the track team, where she does throwing events such as shot put and discus.
Even though Ray seems to be a natural-born artist, she didn’t become very serious about it until her junior year.
“In class, I felt more inspired and intrigued,” said Ray. “Toward my senior year, I took it more seriously and decided that I want a career in art.”
ay stated she is most comfortable painting with acrylics, but art teacher Ms. Julia Topholm believes Ray is skilled with all mediums.
“Myia is a very self-driven artist who over the years has used her natural artistic ability to acquire new skills and techniques,” stated Topholm. “Her ability has helped her to embrace new styles, mediums and techniques she has learned in our art classes to develop her own very distinct style. Her combination of both natural ability and the willingness to learn and grow as an artist has put to use new skills she has acquired over the years.”
Topholm also believes Ray’s work is of exquisite beauty and she always placed implicit meaning into her pieces.
“Working with Myia as a student the last four years I have had the opportunity to see her grow so much and her willingness to push herself, seek guidance and create pieces that truly make people stop and take notice is so awe-inspiring,” said Topholm.
Topholm admires Ray’s growth and commitment to the Art Department and has high hopes for Ray’s future.
“Myia is a very humble and dedicated young artist,” stated Topholm. “As her teacher, I cannot put into words how proud I am of her and her work. As a fellow artist, it has been a privilege to be part of her artistic journey this far and I know as she goes out into the world, her work will continue to develop beyond all expectations.”
