Heart of Gold
By: Taylor McDole
There are many forms of self-expression and outlets for emotions. Some people like to exercise, others enjoy meditating or journaling, but one student at DT expresses herself through art. Junior Emma Hoppe has won several awards for her art. Art is something she has always loved, in part because she is able to find inspiration in nature and her family.
A piece of her art that conveys her inspirations is her most recent project, inspired by Joseph Cornell, the piece reflects her journey growing up. She used childhood photos alongside flowers from her grandmother's garden. She also included items that hold special meaning for her. Hoppe notes that her family plays a significant role in shaping her personality, which was a driving force behind this project. Additionally, the work includes a painting of a large tree, symbolizing how the people she grew up with are like roots, allowing her to blossom into the beautiful tree she has become.
“It’s important to me that I make my art include pieces of my life and how I’ve grown as a person and how my family has been there for me through it all,” said Hoppe.
When asked about why she loves art, Hoppe explained that art is a way for her to express her emotions outside of words, using colors and symbols instead. She enjoys the creative process, which she finds calming.
“I love art because it’s a very relaxing outlet for me. It’s something that I’ve always liked to do in my free time; it always relaxes me,” said Hoppe.
She’s loved art since she first picked up a crayon, and her art has changed with her as she’s grown as a person and as an artist. Many of Hoppe’s works are now made with watercolors and colored pencils, as these are her favorite materials.
“She’s definitely become more confident in her execution and will see an idea to its fruition, and she’s gotten better with her time management as well,” stated Hoppe’s art teacher, Mrs. Stacey McCarty.
Hoppe has been given numerous awards for her art throughout high school. Hoppe is most proud of her most recent achievement: The National Gold Medal, which she received for a clay tic-tac-toe board she created. Hoppe dedicated a significant amount of time to creating her board and was thrilled with the final result. She described being awarded this medal over the summer as “an unexpected and wonderful surprise.”
“It’s still surreal to think of it on a ‘national’ level. While art isn’t just about awards, it certainly feels rewarding to be recognized,” said Hoppe.
Hoppe has won more than just the Scholastic National Gold Medal, she has taken home many awards. In 2022, she earned 2 Honorable mentions in the Scholastic Awards. In the 2023 Scholastic Awards, she received a gold key. Also in 2023, she was awarded 3rd place and 5th place at the Lou Platte Conference show. At the 2024 Lou Platte Conference, she received 2nd place and 3rd place.
“It’s exciting to have received these awards so early in my high school career,” said Hoppe. “I’ve always liked to do art and find unique ways to share my emotions, and I still have so much time left at DT to run with my ideas and see them come to life.”