Margaret Eley | Staff Writer

As a freshman, Nya Schank has the unique ability of being able to draw what she sees in her mind onto paper for other people to see.

“I love making art because it allows me to express myself in different ways, I like that I can show people what I see,” Schank said.

She first found her passion for art at a young age.

“I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember,” Schank said.  “But I think I truly started enjoying it during art class in elementary school and since then I still enjoy making different creations.”

Her foundational drawing teacher, Rick Jones, is surprised by the work that she creates in class.

“I’ve been teaching for 39 years, and I see many different skill sets. As a freshman she has many talents,” Jones said “She can draw what she sees and has a good eye. So when you combine her skills with her creativeness you’ve got this artistic ability that most students don’t have.”

Though many people enjoy and support Schank’s artwork, she feels that her biggest supporter was her middle school art teacher.

“My parents are obviously a major help and support me no matter what but, I would also say that Mr. Treece, my art teacher at North, helped me become the artist I am today,” Schank said.  “He really helped me find the type of art I want to create, and taught me the different ways that I could express myself through drawing.”

Even though Schank really enjoys making art, it’s not something she can see herself doing as a career in the future.

“Art is a de-stressing hobby for me and like an escape, but I feel like if I try turning that into more than just a hobby it will no longer be stress-free,” Schank said.

Schank’s favorite piece she’s created is her newest one of her favorite group Astro, which is a South Korean boy band that performs K-Pop. She was excited to combine her love for music and K-Pop with her art abilities for others to see.