STEVENSVILLE — Lexi Harris, a senior at Kent Island High School (KIHS), initially joined Andrea Schulte’s 2-D Studio Art I class as a sophomore after transferring to the school. Taking the only available seat at the front, little did she realize that she would swiftly emerge as a prominent figure within the department, earning numerous accolades across various mediums, while also forging friendships with many of her peers in this unfamiliar school environment.
As a sophomore, Lexi’s work stood out among her peers. Her visual journals were mini masterpieces, and every assignment exceeded Schulte’s expectations to the extent that Schulte recruited her to join the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) mid-year, a step she had never taken before.
“Lexi had the character, work ethic, and personality of a leader,” said Schulte. “I knew her contributions would be amazing, so I saw no point in waiting for the following fall.”
In her junior year, Lexi wholeheartedly embraced her role in NAHS, contributing to numerous service projects and attending every meeting and function. Her artwork earned her a Regional Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, victory in the QAC Opioid Awareness Poster Contest, and the ‘Best Media Mash’ award at ArtScene 2023.
As a senior, Lexi’s artistic endeavors continue to earn recognition. She secured 2nd place at the True Colors Mental Health Art Show, and her Upcycled Peacock Sculpture from Ms. Nenno’s 3-D Studio Art class clinched 1st Place at the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Recycled Art Show.
“It comes as no surprise that Lexi is now our NAHS Vice President, leading numerous service projects and helping our thriving art department maintain its reputation as an art family,” shared Schulte.
“I see myself being a successful artist in whichever form, but I’m open to evolving and growing along the way,” said Lexi, who is currently interning at Island Ink, gaining insights into the tattoo industry. “I’m being challenged to grow in a new media. I love it all—2-D art, sculpture, clothes, tattoos, my commission work… I’m just a creative person and a perfectionist in everything that I do.”
Lexi recently earned another Honorable Mention and a staggering 7 Scholastic Art Regional Gold Key awards, qualifying her works for the national competition.
She has been accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), UMBC, and Towson University so far, with plans to major in Illustration and Business Management.
“Lexi has loved art since she was a toddler,” shared Lexi’s mother, Teresa. “We have spent many hours painting, drawing, and creating various arts and crafts over the years. I think I first realized Lexi was an extraordinary artist when she won an Honorable Mention at an art gallery when she was just four years old. She sold her first work at age nine and has sold several other works since then. She will often work late into the night to ensure that her creations are exactly how she wants them to be. I am so very proud of Lexi and all that she has accomplished.”
Schulte says Lexi’s leadership is something she’s come to rely on.
“She has such a special way about her, and she’s become a magnet for her peers who need advice. She’s the first one to stop what she’s doing to give her full attention to someone who needs another set of eyes. Her feedback is so thoughtful and honest and highly valued among her peers. Lexi is one of those very few once-in-a-lifetime students that you know you’ll look back on and be proud to have had a small role in [helping shape] their future. She’s an even more amazing human than she is an artist, and that’s really saying something.”
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for QACPS said, “Lexi has a special gift, and I’ve seen her work grow and evolve under Mrs. Schulte and Ms. Nenno’s mentorship. She has such a unique style that often combines very detailed black and white areas of her work coupled with intense pops of color. She has an extremely bright future ahead in the arts.”
You can see her work showcased at the annual Mid-Shore Student Art Exhibition at the Academy Art Museum, and her entire portfolio will be on display at ArtScene 2024 on April 25 from 5 — 8 p.m. at Kent Island High.
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