May 2011 Student Artist of the Month

The May Student Artist of the Month is Julia Kirby. Julia is a senior at Huntington High School in Cabell County.

The May Student Artist of the Month is Julia Kirby, a senior at Huntington High School (Cabell County). Julia is the daughter of Frank and Therese Kirby of Huntington, WV.

Julia is involved in numerous school and community activities including the Art Honorary Club, the National Honor Society, SADD, the HHS cross country team, HHS Track and Field, MU Alpha Theta, The Young Democrats Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Science Club. She was also a member of the Huntington High School Marching Band for three years.

Julia was nominated by Mrs. Leslee Smith, her visual art teacher, who commented "I have had the pleasure of having Julia as an art student since middle school. She is a student who works hard, is conscientious, and courteous. I could not ask for a more dependable art student who continually displays talent and an eagerness to learn."

Julia's accomplishments include attending the 2009 West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts, receiving the Staff Best of Show at the Huntington Museum of Art Student Portfolio Competition, placing first at the 2010 Marshall University SCORES Art Portfolio Competition. Her work has also been displayed at West Liberty University, Cabell County Board of Education and at other events and venues.

According to Julia, "I've always been drawn to the arts, but as I've gotten older I have learned that art is more than just a pretty picture. Music is more than just something fun to listen to. The arts can be uses as a tool - a way to help, heal, grow, recover, and come alive. It is such a great gift to be able to share that with other people, whether it is shared by playing an instrument, painting a mural, or performing in a play. There is a way for everyone to express themselves through the arts."

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