Spotlight on the Arts

Ava Warta, Plains High School

by Kristen Cole

Meet Ava Warta, an 18-year-old senior at Plains High School with a passion for art. Ava has been interested in art since a young age, around 3rd grade, and enjoys using a variety of mediums to bring their imaginative stories and fantastical worlds to life.

"I enjoy creating because I like the stories I can make through it, even if others don't see the story I intended," says Ava. "I love making worlds of fantasy, worlds that despite being so vividly different, they have those core similarities to reality."

Warta works primarily with pen and pencil, but also experiments with mixing different media. "My favorite medium is the pen - it's what I use most often, and it makes things look very interesting. I also like mixing media often."

She is taking two art classes this year. She said she is looking forward to exploring 3D art and has enjoyed their Advanced placement art class so far. She said "I signed up for the extra art classes because it's something I enjoy, and I want to be with my friends who also take the classes."

When it comes to inspiration, Warta finds it in the music they listen to while creating, though she doesn't have a specific genre preference. She also finds inspiration in the artistic talents of family members, particularly her mother who is a painter and seamstress.

While Warta isn't sure if she will pursue art as a full-time career, she plans to keep creating. "I will keep on making cool things, because I enjoy it." With her vivid imagination, technical skills, and passion for the process, Ava is sure to continue producing captivating artwork.

"Spotlight on the Arts" by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.