Each year the Kingwood Art Society hosts two special meetings - a potluck in December and a tasting party in April – at which scholarships are awarded to Kingwood College Students. It was at the December 2009 Potluck Meeting that Christina Taylor, a first year student at Lone Star College-Kingwood, was awarded with the Paul McCarty Art Award Scholarship and commended for her work.

“We were impressed with Christina for several reasons,” said Sheila Bridges, one of the KAS scholarship judges. “She had an extensive display with different art styles and mediums for us to see. The work was strong and she was already showing evidence of her own emerging art style. We felt that she shows real promise to be a success.” Other KAS scholarship judges were Pat Conroy and Linda Hamilton.

Taylor’s dream is to become an illustrator, to create characters and backgrounds for the film industry. While this is her first year in college she is already working hard to achieve her dreams. “I put my best into every piece I carete. In order to challenge myself against what I already know, I try new mediums, styles, and techniques,” Taylor wrote in her application. “I’ve always loved art from a young age and believe that is where my love for illustration came in. Now that I’m older I want to create my own stories, characters, and my own vision of the images that I fell in love with as a child for children to enjoy today.”

While there were three finalists, and only one award winner, KAS recognizes there are numerous artists across Kingwood and the Houston area like Christina that show promising work. Artists can begin from anywhere and often start small. There is creativity waiting to blossom and the Kingwood Art Society seeks to encourage the artistic development of local professional and amateur artists alike. The KAS raises awareness and appreciation for the visual arts by holding exhibits, reaching out to the community and educating artists and the community about art. They host two art shows each year – one in the fall and one in the spring, and each show has a division for every level of art experience.

KAS meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7pm, starting in September and meeting through May. Each meeting starts with a short look at business and is followed by a demonstration by a guest artist or a KAS member. The demonstrations are educational and inspiring, whether it is in clay, collage, watercolor or another medium, members watch as a piece of art comes to life. Meetings are held at Homewood Suites, 23320 Highway 59, Kingwood, TX.

Membership is open to anyone interested in art, including but not limited to, professionals, adult students, school students, non-professionals, etc. For more information please visit: www.kingwoodartsociety.com