EDMOND — Rachel Forrest, 17

• Edmond Memorial High School

• Drawing and Painting

Q: Why did you want to attend OSAI this year?

A:I wanted to attend OSAI in order to enhance my abilities for making art, to widen my opportunities for the future, and to make a possible leap in my artistic career.

Q: What do you hope to learn this year?

A: I hope I will be exposed to many new kinds of art and past artists that I had not already known of, as well as learning many new techniques and styles (of) art.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the arts?

A: I enjoy making art in my room as well as exploring through art galleries and museums across the country.

Q: As an artist, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I have always wanted to be a studio artist in a place like New York City or somewhere on the coast, but recently I have been interested in being an art teacher.

Q: What artist do you look up to the most?

A: My art teacher Mrs. Blake. She is always there to help me and was the person who really got me involved in the art program. I also look up to my grandmother whose art covers the walls in our house, along with Richard Diebenkorn, who is my favorite well-known artist.



Alex Hay, 14

• Edmond North High School

• Modern Dance

Q: Why did you want to attend OSAI this year?

A: I wanted to attend OSAI because I knew it would really help me grow as a dancer and as person! I have also heard about how amazing the experience is.

Q: What do you hope to learn this year?

A: I really hope to learn more about how to move and create different movements in my body. I really enjoy that you can express yourself through what you enjoy doing without being judged or laughed at. It’s really incredible!

Q: What artist do you look up to the most?

A: I really look up to Mia Michaels because of her style and the way she creates dance pieces. I also look up to Will Winfield; the way he dances is so inspiring and incredible.

Q: What got you started in the arts?

A: Like most girls, I started dance at age 3, and continued to love being able to be creative in my own way, and I’ve made some wonderful friends along the way both on the stage and in the dance studio!



Macy Jennings, 18

• Edmond Memorial HIgh School

• Drawing and Painting.

Q: Why did you want to attend OSAI this year?

A: I have always wanted to attend OSAI. I have auditioned every year that I was able to and was finally accepted this year. I want to push my boundaries as an artist and develop my talent.

Q: What do you hope to learn this year?

A: This year I hope to learn some new techniques and experiment with new media. I’ve had a busy schedule this year so I have not been able to concentrate solely on my artwork in a long time. I am hoping that this Institute will give me the opportunity to focus on developing my ability without the distractions I usually have.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the arts?

A: What I enjoy about art is that you have the freedom to say whatever you want to say, express whatever emotion you want to express and most of all see the world in a different perspective. An artist can let people see how he/she feels or thinks for a while through their work.

Q: As an artist, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I’m pursuing an art degree in college starting next year. I am not exactly sure what degree I will be aiming for, either graphic design or art teacher. I might double major. So in 10 years, I hope to see myself doing what I love and sharing it with the world. Regardless of whether or not I receive a degree in teaching, I’m postive that I will be teaching in some way. Most of all, I hope that I will be a successful artist, known for her work.

Q: What artist do you look up to the most?

A: I’m not one to look up to an artist I have never met. So that rules out most of the famous names. However, I do look up to a few artists that I have had the opportunity to meet. Their love of art is contagious and I consider them my role models. Gary Lennon was one of my first art teachers. Kathleen Blake, who retired from Memorial about a year ago, is a mentor of mine. She is constantly pushing me to become more creative. Ron Pokrasso, a printmaker from Santa Fe, N.M., is also one that I look up to. All three of them are not only outstanding artists but they also share their love of art with their students.