Gary & Almut Zvosec Award Recipient Inspired by Eileen Dorsey '01

In addition to being named a Scholastic Gold Key Winner, Senior Cassandra Ciryak was recently honored with the Gary & Almut Zvosec Award for Mixed Media (best-in-category).
Her winning piece entitled Human vs. Nature, which addressed deforestation, was inspired by artist, entrepreneur and "25 Under 35" recipient Eileen Dorsey '01.
 
Cassandra’s artistic abilities have grown throughout her time at the Academy and have helped her find her own unique artistic style. "I feel most passionate about the incorporation of acrylic paint in my artwork. Over the many years of art classes, I have discovered my individual style as an artist, which includes capturing different shades and highlights using a variety of acrylic colors. Art III with Mrs. Sparks has by far been my favorite art class. As a Junior, I was able to discover my passion for portrait painting, which also allowed my love for acrylic art to flourish. It was also at this time that I opened my eyes to new mediums including charcoal, chalk, oil and pastels among others. One of my favorite pieces was working on top of plexiglass to create my piece, "The Lonesome Cottage," shared Cassandra. 
 
Being a member of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) has allowed Cassandra to be involved in numerous unique service opportunities. One project, in particular, gave her an indescribable sense of fulfillment and joy - Fairview Hospital Portraits. NAHS members created portraits of health care workers to express their appreciation for their vocations during the pandemic. Cassandra was able to present her portrait to her paired health care worker.
 
While art is certainly a passion of hers, Cassandra is interested in pursuing a Psychology major in college or possibly physical therapy programs.
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