A distinguished award has been given to one of our very own Walpole High School students, senior Emily Davis, by a respected program for her advanced talents in the arts. The Alliance of Young Artists and Writers recognized Davis as one of the most talented young artists in the country. The program has been granting scholarships for 87 years, with past winners including famous visual artist, Andy Warhol known for his pop art, and photographic icon, and Richard Avedon, who photographed people such as Marilyn Monroe and in fact, Andy Warhol as well. Davis’ drawing of a building was recognized at a national level, with 5 other art works recognized at a regional level.
She received recognition out of 200,000 submissions and she has been invited to attend a ceremony on June 1 at Carnegie Hall, not far from Central Park and Broadway. Fifteen hundred young artists recognized at a national level will be participating in a series of events showcasing their work at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City. Although Davis unfortunately cannot attend because of her busy schedule around the time of graduation, she will possibly attend the reception that the Boston Globe is holding for the 98 winners from Massachusetts.
Her art teacher, Mrs. Willa McKee, said “Emily is an endearing, responsible, considerate, and respectful individual who balances confidence with grace. I am in awe of her integrity and admire her perpetual optimism.” Her artwork, as she says, is keenly detailed and with “subtle nuances of color.” Mrs. McKee compares her artwork with the famous Vermeer, painter of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” for its almost photographic representation. But Emily’s work possesses her own personal meanings and is “visually poetic.”
Davis did not even recognize the significance of her recognition upon receiving the letter, but was thrilled nonetheless. After getting an explanation from Mrs. McKee, Davis said, “I was still really excited.”
She also has balanced her time to be a captain of the tennis team. Her coach, Coach William Powers, said, “Emily has improved every year since freshman year. She is one of our strongest varsity players and has gone out of her way to involve other kids in the tennis program, even setting up an off-season group for herself and other kids who wanted to improve their games over winter.”
In terms of college, Davis does not plan on necessarily majoring in art or attending an art school. She hopes to do something in the fields of math or science. She does plan on taking art courses, however. She said, “I really enjoy art and don’t intend to give it up.” Davis’ future appears bright, as she is an astounding artist, a captain of the tennis team, a member of the National Honors Society, and a whole lot more.
