Elsa Carter shared her story of being chosen for and participating in an Artist in Residence Program at Isle Royale.
This week we were wowed by Elsa Carter and her story of participating in an Artist in Residence program on Isle Royale this summer.
Encouraged by her art teacher, Corey Bechler, Elsa applied for the residency. The nationwide competition involved submission of her artwork, an essay, and a recommendation. Of 300 applicants, she and a student from Texas were chosen for the one-week program.
A senior at Benzie Central, Elsa got interested in art as a kindergartener. She was encouraged by her family and acknowledged the huge impact on her work by Connie McLaren who had been an art teacher at Benzie Central. In fact, when Connie moved downstate, she gave Elsa a vast supply of oil paints and supplies including her favorite palette.
Elsa shared her daily activities while on Isle Royale which included a lot of art practice focusing on the natural environment. One of her basic takeaways was the vast improvement of her ability to paint rocks which she shared “is far more difficult than you would imagine.”
All in attendance were impressed by Elsa! Her composure, presence, and presentation skills are special. She is an impressive young woman who, in addition to her artwork is a member of the Benzie Central Track team (shot put and 4X800 relay) and is a downhill ski racer. When she graduates, she will also have completed her first year of college at Baker where she will continue before, hopefully, attending NMU.