Artist Connections: Open Studio Conversation With College Art Students

Aynecia Gardner, a former visual arts student at Ida B Wells APAC (Academic and Performing Arts Complex) and valedictorian of Murrah High School, is a nationally and regionally recognized artist attending Mississippi College. She was a member of NJAHS and NAHS for the past 6 years and served as an officer. During her 6 years at APAC, she received a National Scholastic Art Medal, was juried into the NAHS Student Exhibition, had a graphic design internship, received a perfect AP Art score, and has had her artwork exhibited in numerous museums and galleries in Mississippi. She currently works as an associate curator assistant at the Mississippi Museum of Art, where she is also a member of their teaching fellowship. Her main mission is to bridge the gap between graphic design and art education. She wishes to inspire children to follow their passions and showcase the creative talent hidden in Mississippi. 

Angel Beckman is an emerging art educator and artist currently studying art education with an endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) education at the University of Northern Colorado. Angel is the NAEA Preservice Division Director-Elect, where she is training to help navigate preservice students. Her work focuses on connecting art with students’ lived experiences, encouraging both creative exploration and meaningful dialogue. As both an artist and educator, Angel is committed to lifelong learning, community engagement, and empowering students through the arts.

Josie Hoskins is currently enrolled at the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University, where she is double majoring in BFA Theatre: Design and Technology and BA: Art. Last summer, Josie was the paint charge at the Black Hills Playhouse. She loves creating art every day, using various media including sculpture and painting. Josie is excited to speak about her experiences in art and to join this Studio Conversation. 

Cailyn Choi, a stationary geek and art enthusiast, is currently a junior at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. She loves all kinds of arts—drawing and painting, photography, mixed media, and more—and will take any opportunity she can get to make something creative! Cailyn believes art is one’s voice and way of expression, and she encourages everyone to use their creativity, regardless of skill level, to participate in something artsy. Whether it’s cooking or baking, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or anything else, Cailyn hopes people can find their creative outlet for speaking their truth through creativity. She has also recently become interested in video making and vlogging, and she looks forward to exploring new artistic styles in the upcoming year. When she is not at school or in the studio, she loves to golf with her friends and family or take naps with her Maltese. 

Josh Wilson is a senior at Parkville Hill South High school who enjoys fine arts–related projects like oil painting, charcoal, and colored pencil. Josh is excited to be part of the National Art Honor Society Student Council. As someone going into a creative field, Josh feels this is a great opportunity to gain experience while doing something he is passionate about. 

Isabel Lee is a senior at Los Altos High School and co-president of the National Art Honor Society. Through NAHS, she has contributed to community murals, art exhibitions, and creative outreach projects, including artwork for hospitalized children, sheltered animals, and The Memory Project for disadvantaged children worldwide. She completed AP 2-D Art & Design and is enrolled in AP Drawing. Isabel views art as a form of self-expression and a means to advocate for issues she cares deeply about. Her work has earned recognition including second place in the Congressional Art Competition, a cover feature in Blue Marble Review, and an honorable mention in the BowSeat Ocean Awareness Contest. Beyond the arts, she holds leadership positions in her school’s Environmental Green Team and the Stanford Hills Chapter of the National Charity League. She hopes to continue integrating art, community service, and leadership to inspire positive change in her community and beyond.

Nicole Daniel attends Franklin Academy. She is truly honored to be selected as a 2025 National Art Honor Society (NAHS) Ambassador, which means a lot to her, not just as an artist, but also as someone who deeply values the role creativity plays in self-expression and connection. Art has always been a core part of who Nicole is, and she is passionate about all forms and media—whether it’s drawing, painting, digital work, or mixed media. Generally, Nicole prefers not to stick to one theme because each piece she creates reflects different parts of herself and the world around her. Being an NAHS Ambassador allows her to share that passion, connect with other artists, and hopefully inspire others to create boldly and authentically. Nicole is excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be part of this community.

Tanvi Kulshreshtha is a junior at BASIS Phoenix. She serves on the Arizona Youth Arts Council and as the President of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS/NJAHS), she combines her love for art and leadership. Art has always been central to who she is—whether through painting, sketching, graphic design, or playing piano.Tanvi has led a variety of community-based art projects, including interactive murals, community garden benches, Empty Bowls fund-raisers, and senior home art workshops, all with the goal of making art more accessible and meaningful. Her favorite medium is acrylic painting because of its ability to create vibrant layers and depth. Tanvi has grown into a dedicated, innovative, and collaborative leader, and she is honored to continue serving her community through the council this year.