It was another successful year for art students at Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School.

Two seniors from the advanced art class were accepted into college art programs. Emily Cutting was accepted into the Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan.

After a rigorous portfolio review, which included essays and several artist statements, Cutting received a generous scholarship. She plans to earn multiple degrees and become a fine arts professor, or work in the fashion industry.

Willie Moore also received a sizable scholarship and will attending Southwestern Michigan College’s visual art program in the fall. Moore plans on earning a degree in visual art and then apprentice as a tattoo artist. He chose SMC because it is “closer to home and affordable.”

Advanced art is the highest level course at Ross Beatty and was created for students who excel in, and possibly want to pursue an art career. Assignments are rigorous and portfolio based.

“Advanced Art class was fast paced,” Cutting said. “I was able to receive individual attention, and focus on my needs.”

Alum Samantha Stutzman is well on her way to her career goal.

“The advanced art courses taught by Shelly Johnson really helped open my mind to a career in art,” she said. “I had always enjoyed drawing but never really considered the numerous careers that art could lead to. Our class went on a few visits to Kendall in Grand Rapids and that is where I felt I belonged. I knew from that, and my love of art, that this is where my life would take me.”

After graduating, Stutzman attended Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids.  During her first semester, she was accepted into the school’s highly competitive Medical Illustration Program.

At that point Stutzman began her education at the Michigan State College of Human Medicine as well.

“To be a medical illustrator, you need to know what you are drawing,” Stutzman said. “Because of MSU’s partnership with Kendall, I am able to work alongside medical students and learn the human anatomy and experience the benefits of Michigan State’s Willed Body Program.”

Johnson said she is extremely proud of Cutting, Moore, Stutzman and all of her art students.

“Every aspect of our lives involves art and design,” she said. “Visual artists play a major role in the concept and design of the cars we drive, the phones use, the movies we watch, etc. There are hundreds and hundreds of lucrative and satisfying careers. Art makes the world a ‘prettier’ place, but there is so much more. Art involves higher order thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Those are vital 21st Century skills.”