Carly Hemmelgarn, a senior at Anthony Wayne High School, has established herself as a standout student in the fine arts department. Known for her dedication to learning and creativity, Carly's accomplishments in both visual arts and music have earned her recognition from her teachers and the broader arts community. Her love for art, developed from a young age, has taken her on a journey filled with challenges, growth, and meaningful achievements.
Selection for a Juried Regional Exhibition
One of Carly’s most significant accomplishments this year is her selection for the Juried Regional High School Exhibition at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her piece, titled "10 Things I Love About You," was selected for inclusion from among 159 submitted pieces from students across Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.
The exhibition is also a source of inspiration for Carly. “Seeing what other high school artists are doing gives me new ideas. It’s an amazing opportunity to push myself and try new styles,” she said. “It’s also a fun way to meet other high school artists.”
This is the third time she will have art featured in the exhibition, having been selected also as a sophomore and a freshman, when she took third place in the show. She chose not to submit a piece her junior year, because she was focused on a long-term project - the illustration of a children’s book.
Illustrating a Children’s Book
While Carly typically enjoys portraiture, and challenges herself by working in ink, “because it makes me think and commit to what I’m drawing. There’s no erasing,” she said, she also likes to challenge herself by experimenting with different mediums.
Over the last year, she had the unique opportunity to illustrate a children’s book titled Goody Two Shoes, written by family friend, Dawnis Edge. The project was a challenging one, especially since Carly had to learn new skills for drawing children and working with digital design tools.
Working from the author’s storyboard, she was given the opportunity to develop the artwork and characterization - using library books, artists’ Instagram accounts and gathering feedback from her family and friends, Carly brought the book to life in pictures.
“I’m not usually a digital artist, so I had to figure out dynamic poses and learn a lot through trial and error,” Carly explained. “Developing the consistency of character was a challenge, and it took a lot of time, but I’m really proud of the result.”
The experience, though rewarding, was also a major time commitment, and Carly has decided to focus on her studies and other art projects before considering another book illustration.
Carly intends to donate a signed copy of the book to the Waterville Primary School library to serve as inspiration for other students.
Recognition as an Outstanding Fine Arts Student
Carly has made a name for herself at AWHS, having received several Art Department awards, an honorable mention at Bowling Green State University's Art of Diversity Show, and being selected for the annual FOCUS Art Show at the Toledo Museum of Art. Most recently, Carly was selected by both the visual art and band departments as the school’s outstanding fine arts student to be recognized by the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West.
Her art teacher, Carrie Flagg, spoke highly of Carly: “Her tenacity is admirable. Whenever she’s given an opportunity or a creative problem to solve, she runs with it. Her confidence and unwavering determination lead to outstanding results in her art.”
Mrs. Flagg also noted Carly’s presence in the art room and her willingness to volunteer for community projects, including painting sets for school musicals and participating in art club events.
In addition to her active involvement with the fine arts department, Carly also plays snare drum with the AWHS Marching Generals, Pep Band and Jazz Band, plays broomball, is a member of the Student Advisory Committee for the Waterville Historical Society and is a member of the Environmental Club.
Her Future with Art and Environmental Science
While Carly's talent in and passion for the arts is undeniable, she plans to keep it as a hobby rather than pursue it professionally. Instead, she has set her sights on environmental science and restoration sustainability biology. Her interest in the field was sparked when she enrolled in Mrs. Julie Blakely’s Marine Biology class.
“It was supposed to be just exploratory, since I already had the science credits I needed,” Carly explained. “But I ended up falling in love with it and took her environmental and zoology classes as well.”
Inspired by figures like Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg, Carly hopes to one day travel abroad to work on restoring ecosystems and perhaps even attend law school to focus on environmental policy.
“My other big interest is the environment,” Carly said. “I’ve grown up with a strong connection to nature, and it’s such a broad field. I find so much of it fascinating and am looking forward to learning through more study and internships.”
As Carly prepares to take the next step in her journey, her family, including her parents Cassandra and Jason Hemmelgarn, continue to support her artistic endeavors. “They’ve always been there for me,” Carly shared. “Whether it’s buying art supplies for me or giving me honest feedback, they’ve been my biggest supporters.”
Looking Ahead
Though Carly plans to major in a field outside of the arts, she hopes to continue creating art for the rest of her life. “Art has given me so much,” she reflected. “It’s a way for me to express myself, connect with others, and explore new ideas. I’ll always find time for it, no matter where life takes me.”
In fact, her latest piece has given her the opportunity to reflect upon her upbringing even as she prepares for her future.
“This latest piece is really special to me—it’s a portrait of four generations of women in my family. I captured the hands of my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and me. As I prepare to leave for college, this feels like a tribute to where I come from.”
This work also represents her commitment to pushing herself as an artist. The larger-scale painting requires that she shift from using just her wrist to her whole arm, giving her pieces a dynamic energy.
With her strong foundation in both the fine arts and her academic pursuits, Carly Hemmelgarn is set to make an impact. Her future is filled with potential, and grounded in her passion for creativity and positive change. Best wishes to Carly for a memorable and meaningful senior year!