For these three K12-powered students, art is more than a passion project. And thanks to online learning, they have been able to pursue their talents on a national stage. George Washington University Online High School students and recent grads Vivienne Wood, Arianna Patel, and Catrine Paguio were each selected to have their artwork published in George Washington University’s official arts magazine, Wooden Teeth. High school students were invited to submit their work for a chance to appear alongside college students and professional artists in the semiannual publication.

For Vivienne,
it was a leap of faith to enter the competition, but the rising 9th grader –
and at just 12 years old – likes to challenge herself. She taught herself all
she knows when it comes to art, using YouTube tutorials to help her master new
concepts.

Art is not
Vivienne’s only passion. She has been riding horses for six years and competing
since she was nine years old. When she is not in school or working on her art,
Vivienne says “most of my free time is spent at the barn,” adding that
attending online school has given her “flexibility and freedom with my
education and my passions.”

Arianna agrees.
The Class of 2020 grad says the one-on-one attention she received at GWUOHS is
what she loved most about the school. “GWUOHS constantly provides its students
with opportunities that let them showcase their talents,” said Arianna. “Being
published in Wooden Teeth has provided a renewed inspiration and
motivation for me to keep creating.”

Arianna’s love
for art started with simple doodling on the edge of her math books and
sometimes just sitting and observing the light and shadows of her surroundings.
She started taking formal art classes at the age of 8, thanks to flexible
schedule online learning provided.

Catrine –
also a 2020 grad – lives in the Philippines and uses art to fulfill a desire to
make a meaningful impact. She uses art as a platform to raise awareness around mental
illness, environmental protection, and social injustice. “As an artist, I aim
to address a diverse array of issues through my artwork to inspire positive
change in society,” she shared.

Catrine has
never taken formal art lessons, but her self-instructed learning and practice
has taken her a long way. She participated in her first art exhibition when she
was 13 and has participated in five more exhibitions in the Philippines and
Hong Kong since then. She has even served as a curator for two exhibitions
herself. Catrine plans to attend Parsons School of Design where she will pursue
her passion through a major in Fine Arts.

This is only the beginning of a bright future for these students – the world is truly their canvas! Check out their work in the latest edition of Wooden Teeth.

To learn more about George Washington University Online High School visit https://www.gwuohs.com/