She enjoys a challenge

When it comes to art, Brainerd High School junior Stephanie Kinney steps it up a notch.

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No matter what the project entails, Kinney picks the hardest one. She doesn't like to do the easiest projects and she wants to create "something cool."

Kinney was named Fine Arts Student of the Week for her work in metal arts and painting. Kinney's art teacher said, "Kinney is an art teacher's dream student. She is wildly creative, a hard worker and possesses the skills to achieve her goals. Stephanie is enthusiastic and positive with a personality that elevates class chemistry and inspires peers. Her artwork is unique, well done and usually exceeds criteria."

Kinney's goal is to take every art class medium she can to see if any fits her style. Earlier this year she took design one and drawing one and two. This semester she is in metal arts and painting; next year she plans to take design two and photography.

"I knew I could draw," said Kinney. "I took the class to see if I could get better. Design was really cool and I'm really excited for design two next year.

"Painting presents a new challenge. It is different from what I've done. Brainerd is the only high school left that offers metal arts. I took it because I couldn't get into welding class. I like metal arts because of the different ways you can make cast."

Kinney said so far none of the art classes has challenged her and she's done well in all of them. She said art is where she excels.

Kinney said she is always the last student to finish her project, but it is because she works on a more advanced project.

"They (the teachers) know what I put into it," she said. "They know what I am working on takes longer to finish."

Stephanie Kinney

Art focus: Metal arts and painting

Art activities: Metal arts, painting, BHS A Cappella Choir and Smith Sisters

Year: Junior

Age: 17

GPA: 3.5

Favorite subjects: All art classes

Most memorable fine arts achievement: Being selected as an Outstanding Choir Member in 10th grade

Artist most admired: M.C. Escher

Favorite movie: "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Favorite TV program: "Friends"

Favorite song: Too many good songs to mention

Parents: Budd and Lynne McCulloch of Brainerd

In metal arts, Kinney has learned to appreciate artists who make a living selling their metal art pieces. She said creating a metal arts project takes a lot of time and detail.

She made a giraffe using the open block casting method. She had to do a lot of sanding for the project and plans to make a pin out of the giraffe.

The second project, which Kinney is still working on, is a flying pig using the closed block carving method. Kinney got the idea to carve a flying pig because she likes snowboarding and one of the companies that makes boards uses a pig as its logo, including a flying pig.

For her third metal arts project, Kinney plans to turn one of her hair clips into metal.

"I'm fascinated with the whole process," she said of creating art with metal. "It takes a lot of work."

In painting, Kinney learned how to blend colors, the value of light and dark colors and how to interpret the water wheel. Kinney said what makes her a good artist is her creativity.

She said her strongest skill in art is challenging herself by working on harder projects. She would like to work on her tendency to procrastinate. She will put in the time to finish a project, but at times she will stay up late at night or work one full day to complete a work of art.

Her goal is to make her artwork look good and stand out. She strives to improve her work by the knowledge she gains in her art classes.

Kinney wants a career in art and would like to be a fashion designer, a costume designer or an actress. She wants to attend a college in California.

Honorable mentions:

Meghan Hagedon, senior, Brainonian: Hagedon's yearbook adviser said, "Meghan has gone above and beyond in the Brainonian class. She has put in countless hours and has shown up with a great attitude every time. She is a pleasure to have in class."

Sarah Eiesland, junior, mock trial: As a witness for the Mock Trial Green Team, Eiesland earned two 10s (the highest score possible) in her portrayal of Chris Long, a social worker. The judge singled out her performance as outstanding, the best she has seen.

Andrew Kubas, sophomore, speech: Kubas won top awards in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking at the first four speech tournaments this year. His research skills and polished speaking style are two of his strong attributes, said his speech coach.

Kayla Wallin, senior, Symphonic Band: Wallin is the Symphonic Band flute co-section leader. She also has received superior ratings at the solo and ensemble contest as a soloist.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.