Artist Statement

I have a rare learning disability, Nonverbal Learning disability (NLD) which makes visual and motor skill activities extremely difficult for me. Throughout my life, doctors said I would never be able to draw, much less write. In addition, I also suffer from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and a genetic connective tissue disorder, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Both are rare conditions that have compromised my immune system and caused joint dislocations. In spite of the odds, I have defied my doctor’s opinions, and have fulfilled my dream of becoming an artist.

My inquiry and art reveal how art has enabled me to cope with and live with all 3 illnesses. I am proud of how my art has evolved over the past four years. High School art classes helped to broaden my horizons as an artist and as a person.

I started a note card and journal business, Ali’s Angels, in my freshman year in high school. I have sold my cards at local boutiques, craft shows, and professional fundraising events. All of my proceeds have been donated to support local and state anti bullying programs, St Jude Children’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, and Recovery Plus.

The sales and donation of my art also funded an anti-bullying poster contest that I created for Centerville Students, raised funds for a local EDS Group (The Dayton Zebras), offset costs to bring a national parenting speaker (Dr. Michele Borba) to Centerville High School, and allowed me to co-sponsor an art show for Centerville Students to raise funds to help build the St. Jude Dream Home in Toledo (which was raffled off and raised $1.25 million for St. Jude).

As a student artist, I have been given opportunities to show and sell my art at Sinclair Community College for the Dayton Opera Guild, at Fleurish Home, where I served as their featured artist at the 2019 Hamilton Art Hop, and the Dream A Little Dream Art Show, where I served as the featured artist to benefit St. Jude. (My neighbors graciously sponsored and funded this event to showcase my work and art Created by Centerville Students. Over $5000 was donated to St. Jude from this event). My work and personal interest in helping children lead St. Jude to personally invite me to show and sell my art at the Toledo Dream Home Open House. (All proceeds were donated to St. Jude). I ended an incredible 2019 year showing and selling my art at Recovery Plus, an addiction support center in Fairborn.

While all of these experiences have been personally and creatively rewarding, I am most proud of the National Safety Hotline Poster I created for Centerville City Schools. This poster was placed in every classroom, office, cafeteria, gym, restroom, and hallways of EVERY school in Centerville. This poster provides information for students to safely and anonymously report issues of bullying, abuse, and drug addiction to school authorities.

Last Spring, the Centerville School Board presented this poster to the Ohio State Board of Education, where it was warmly received. Representatives were so impressed that they took the poster back to their own school districts. The Hotline Poster is now placed in most, if not all schools, in the State of Ohio. I am so proud and honored that my work will help to insure the safety of all students in Ohio in the years to come.

All of my achievements and rewarding experiences occurred through the art classes I took at Centerville High School. All classes gave me time and space to improve my creativity, technique, and pieces of work. They have also prepared me for college, where I plan to major in visual communications at Sinclair Community College. Following graduation from Sinclair College, I plan to transfer to Flagler College in St. Augustine for my BFA. I am looking forward to my future endeavors and the art that is ahead with great excitement and anticipation.

AP Art Inquiry