Spring means new opportunities, granting us the chance to make changes, create new ideas, and find our own great beginnings.

The month of April is especially lovely. It is a time when our artistic minds are set free. The earth is shaking off all of its frost, and the sun begins to paint our world’s face with brilliant, vibrant color. It is evident that the creative juices are flowing all around us.

It seems like the Eagle Eye has effectively covered almost every possible category and topic this school has to offer. We have Athlete of the Week, Photo of the Week, Senior of the Week, and even Freshmen of the Week (for crying out loud!).

So what are we missing?

Let’s just say this site is missing a certain… “je ne sais quoi.” An imaginative flair, perhaps?

Needless to say, this month provides us appropriate timing when it comes to introducing our new segment here at the Tyrone Eagle Eye News:

(Drum roll, please…)

ARTIST OF THE MONTH!

With the help of art teacher Mr. Eric Feather, we will be handpicking students who have displayed an aptitude in the arts. We want your opinions of whose worthy, of course, and they will not be limited to just our students that participate in art classes. It can be anyone from our school who is exceptionally stylish, rhythmical, or poetic. Just submit a comment below or email yours truly at [email protected].

It was difficult to pick someone to kick start a feature that applies to so many people at TAHS, yet there was one student that possesses a creative streak that I have never witnessed before.

Her name is Lena Walk, and she is a junior at Tyrone Area High School.

Lena was born in Novovoronconka, Ukraine and first became interested in art at the slight age of five.

Lena recalls decorating the asphalt outside of the Sunshine Orphanage where she lived.

It was there that her talent was first spotted by her first art teacher, Inna Nikolaevna.  When the woman noticed that such a little girl could draw such a realistic depiction of a tree, she invited Lena to join her in her art room so that she could teach her some basic techniques. Initially embarrassed by being thrust into the spotlight, Lena avoided her request for weeks, before finally accepting. They soon became great friends.

Unfortunately, many from her orphanage criticized her abilities. They said that she was a “favorite” of the art teacher – and that was all.

But obviously, she proved them wrong.

When she moved to America with her two adoptive sisters she began to realize her full potential as an artist.

Mr. Eric Feather, the art teacher at Tyrone High School, especially  helped her realize all that she had to offer. Feather pushed her and introduced her to new mediums and different ways of creating art.  Watercolor, which she had never used before Feather introduced her to it, has become her favorite medium.

Walk encourages all young students take Feather’s art class.  According to Walk, Feather teaches students good technique but “still allows them to do their own thing and keep their own personal style.”

“Little kids always show the truth on paper,” says Walk, “they perceive things in such a clear, innocent way, and express themselves so truthfully.”

Walk says she loves the way she feels when she’s painting, drawing, or doodling. She says that it takes her back to all the places she was before.

Walk’s favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh.

“You can feel the raw passion he felt while he was working,” says Walk, “his intensity shows with each brush stroke, and he possessed an interesting choice in color.”

Walk’s personal favorite of her own artwork is titled “Lee Blue.”

“I put 100% in this piece,” said Walk.   The piece was inspired by music, especially the song “No Light, No Light” by Florence and the Machine

Three of Walk’s best works will be on display in the 2014 Tyrone Area Art Show.

Though undecided in where she wants to attend college, she is certain that she would like to pursue a career that incorporates art. Some of her ideas include fashion, illustration, and design but she remains open-minded.