Arts Student of the Week - Allisson Diaz Arredondo

Allisson Diaz Arredondo takes an emotional approach to her craft. In describing her interest in art, she said, "It really helps you. For example, when I feel sad, I paint something happy to make me happy. When I feel bored, I also paint."

Her favorite artist is Frida Kahlo, and Arredondo herself also likes to paint using acrylics. One of her favorite art projects is a canvas she painted that includes her name and flowers that represent her.

Arredondo looks back on middle school and the art class she had there with great joy. In eighth grade she was able to exhibit her work for the first time. "To be honest, I don't know how I got interested in art," Arredondo said. "But what I do know is that when I was about five, I started to draw and paint."

Crystal Hinds, the art teacher at Niwot High School (NHS), selected Arredondo as Arts Student of the Week. "Allisson has been such an amazing person to have in class," Hinds said. "She volunteered to take on not one but two newcomer students to help them learn with her all the skills of a sculpture student. She has an immense amount of patience with these students and has been helpful in getting these students settled in and familiar with our routines."

Arredondo enjoys her current beginning sculpture class at Niwot High, because it makes her happy to learn to create sculpture. "I really like the project we are doing right now," she said.

Arredondo said her experience as an art student at NHS has been good. "The first few days it was not easy to get to my classes and meet new people," she said, "but I know a lot of people now."

"Allisson is thoughtful in her work and communication," Hinds said. "I look forward to see what is possible as we move through the semester."

In the future Arredondo would like to be a counselor, or find a job that will let her help others. "When I need help of any sort," Arredondo said, "I know that I can turn to my family - my mother and father, and my brother. My three best friends, Ashley, Scarlett and Vania are there for me too, but overall, it's my family who helps me."