WMCAT gives young artist a “better handle on life”

Alex is a senior at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Creston High School who carries a sketch book and draws whenever he’s not playing the guitar. He finds his high school loud and disruptive. There are no art classes at his school. His sister told him about WMCAT when he was in 9^th grade and today he comes twice a week for drawing and illustration classes.

“The people at WMCAT encouraged me to go bigger and move out of my comfort zone,” Alex said. “WMCAT has given me a better handle on life.”

WMCAT has given Alex the opportunity to experience the city of Chicago, visit colleges, and work as an apprentice on an award-winning public art installation.

“(The apprenticeship) was a legitimate job I can put on my resume,” he said.

Alex, who said he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life before, envisions a future as a freelance illustrator. He’s working on two detailed drawings for the WMCAT student art show and getting ready to graduate from high school.

Thank you for providing Alex with an art class at WMCAT. Your donation has helped Alex improve his artistic skills, find self-confidence, and set goals for the future.