Bridget Casad

Oklahoma University for musical theater

When did you become interested in art?

“I’ve always been more of an arty-er person than an academic person. I didn’t really start taking theater seriously until ‘Hairspray’ after my freshman year.”

Tell me why you’re passionate about musical theater.

“I’ve always really liked it, and I’ve admired it because it really is…seeing people up there being flawless while they’re throwing themselves across the stage and trying to sing. I never really thought I could do it because of various ‘Oh I don’t look right’ or ‘I’m not good enough.’ ‘I’m from Kansas.” But I got a lead in a show my sophomore year and since that, it’s pretty much just taken over my life. The feeling that performing gives me is just addictive. I feel like I’m not really myself if I’m not performing in some way, you know? My mood really lifts, and it’s nice to have something to focus on because otherwise…I’m not a great student. I’ve accepted that, but I can do what I need to do in order for me to get what I want or get to what I actually want to be doing.”

Jill Baer

Kansas City Art Institute for illustration

What sort of mediums will you be working with?

“Ink, probably print-making.”

What have been some of your favorite mediums to work with?

“I like ink and watercolor and photography.”

When did you become interested in art?

“Probably since I was honestly like a child, like it’s just always been a big part of my life.”

What art competitions have you done?

“This year I’ve submitted things into Scholastic and Congressional…I think that’s it.”

How did you do at them?

“I got a silver key in Scholastic for something and a couple honorable mentions.”

What is a silver key?

“They have a gold key for a top award, and then a silver key is like a secondary top award. And then they have honorable mentions.”

Tell me why you’re passionate about art.

“I just think it’s a great way to express yourself. Everyone has their niche to express themselves.”

Describe your ideal career/job in art.

“I’d like to illustrate book headings.”

Summer Powers

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design for illustration

What mediums will you be working with?

“Mostly two-dimensional ones, but like drawing and painting and maybe on the computer.”

When did you become interested in art?

“Probably when I was like in fifth or sixth grade. I always kind of pretended like I drew because my mom’s an artist. Then my mom gave me this sketch book, and I would draw fairies and copy everything in it over and over again.”

What art competitions have you done?

“I’ve done Scholastic. I won and got like four silver keys and three honorable mentions. I’ve participated in the Congressional competition in Kansas as well.”

Why are you passionate about art?

“It’s always been a part of my life, a part of who I am, and I can’t imagine myself without art because it’s what I spend most of my time doing. Just to think I won’t be doing this is a few years seems ridiculous.”

Describe your ideal career/job in art.

“One where I make money. I don’t know. I think being an illustrator, but making my own art and illustrating my own things instead of working for a company. I would like to be independent more than I would drawing something for someone else.”