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Burr Ridge artist wins statewide contest
Hinsdale South student Holly Johnson holds some of her artwork that is in the style of her poster that she designed for Illinois Arts Education Week. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: April 8, 2013 2:04AM
BURR RIDGE — The official rules for the 2013 Illinois Arts Education Week Poster Contest puts no limit on the use of color. That’s a good thing for Holly Johnson of Burr Ridge, who left no colored pencil unused when creating this year’s winning poster. The Hinsdale South senior, whose pencil and ink drawing will be on posters and flyers advertising Illinois Arts Education Week, will be recognized this March in Springfield.
Q. Have you always been an artist?
A. Pretty much as long as I can remember, I’ve always been drawing. I love it.
Q. What do you enjoy about creating art?
A. It’s definite a stress reliever. I’m usually kind of shy, but my art is kind of crazy. I get to show my other side. Drawing and painting is my escape. School stresses me out and when I’m drawing I get to forget my worries for a little bit.
Q. What is your favorite medium?
A. Colored pencil with pen and ink over it. Last year we had to do a project in pen and ink, and I just kind of fell in love with it.
Q. What are your favorite things to draw?
A. I guess you could call them paisley-like designs. You can see some of them in my poster.
Q. What about colors? Do you have favorites?
A. I like to use the rainbow.
Q. What art classes are you taking now?
A. I’m in AP studio. You create a portfolio. You get a regular AP score, like one through five.
Q. Do you hope to study art next year in college?
A. I would love to. I think I’m going to go into marketing and try to do something in advertising, so a little more creative.
Q. Is there a particular artist whose work you admire?
A. I love Norman Rockwell’s paintings. They are absolutley amazing.
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not drawing?
A. I also run track and cross country.
Q. Do you think the arts get enough support and attention in our schools?
A. I believe at Hinsdale South they do. I know an art show will never be as packed as a sports game, but a lot of students love going to the plays and watching the danceline team perform.
Q. What did the Illinois Arts Education Week contest require?
A. The theme is Arts 4 All. The contest required that you combine all the areas of art — music, dance, drama and the visual arts.
Q. Were you surprised to hear you had won the poster contest?
A. I thought since it was a state contest that my chance of winning wasn’t very high. But my teacher (Greg Gardner) had confidence in me.
