Artist Connections: Open Studio Conversation With Shannon Downey

Shannon Downey, aka Badass Cross Stitch, is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. Shannon leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together and offers them opportunities to transition from makers to change makers. Her work is about telling the truth and confronting harsh realities while simultaneously inspiring radical hope and a vision for what is possible. Shannon has served as adjunct faculty at DePaul University, Columbia College Chicago, Salem College, and Mary Baldwin University. Her first book, Let’s Move the Needle, an activism handbook for artists, crafters, creatives, and makers who want to build community and make change, can be found anywhere books are sold. 

Klara Schnore is a senior at Kutztown High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She is a passionate advocate for the importance of art education in schools. She believes art fosters individuality, supports mental health, and encourages creative problem-solving. Klara currently serves as president of the Kutztown High School National Art Honor Society and she previously held the role of class president for 2 years. She is a dedicated student-athlete and participates in varsity softball. She is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Jack Coggins Memorial Award for her creativity and innovation. Klara is also an active community member and strives to make her school and town a more creative place. During the summer, she loves devoting a week to help out at a local art camp for younger children. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue art education and to advocate for the arts and young artists within and beyond the classroom. 

Ella Grail is currently a senior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project.

Monica Chen is a senior at Amity Regional High School in Connecticut who is passionate about using art for good. She believes creative expression is a vessel for change and can help people feel a true connection to themselves, others, and the world at large. Monica is currently serving her second year as Amity NAHS president. She also volunteers as an art teacher for children at a local Chinese school, works in product design to build an ergonomic henna applicator, and runs her own banner business. Outside of her artistic endeavors, Monica also works hard on Asian American advocacy in her town. In her free time, Monica enjoys pogo sticking, going to the gym, and spending time with her cat, Millie. 

Jackie is a 13-year-old 8th grader from Upstate New York.  She attends her final year at Saint Gregory’s School and is extremely excited for the opportunity to be part of the National Junior Art Honor Society.  Jackie plays lacrosse, basketball, and piano.  She is bilingual and very active in the Armenian-American Community and Church. Jackie’s favorite type of art is collage-making, but as long as she is making art, she would be happy. She is so excited for this opportunity. She would like to thank everyone who has helped her achieve this great recognition, especially Ms. Delaney, her art teacher and mentor from Saint Gregory's School! 

Momin Mahmood is a 12th-grade artist and student leader whose passion for the arts stems from the belief that creativity can connect people, shape communities, and inspire new ways of thinking. As the founder and current President of his school’s National Art Honor Society, he has worked to create greater opportunities for students to experience, appreciate, and advocate for the arts. His commitment extends beyond his school through his service on the St. Charles Parish Public Schools Arts Steering Committee, where he contributes a student perspective to the future of arts education. His artistic accomplishments include being named Louisiana’s Doodle for Google winner, receiving the Congressional Art Award from Representative Steve Scalise, and earning a 5 on the AP 2-D Art and Design Portfolio. His curiosity and problem-solving abilities have also led to STEM success, including recognition as a State Science Fair winner and State mathematics competition champion.