Compassionate — that is Ashli O’Brien, Kingston High School junior and FAB’s (Fine Arts Boosters) featured artist.

As a visual artist, Ashli educates those who experience her drawings on rare mental health disorders. She does hours of research in order to bring understanding for her peers who struggle with these life-altering disorders.

“My graphite drawing shown here is called ‘Losing Hope’ because it shows how people with disorders reach out for help but never quite get it within their grasp,” Ashli said. “No matter what, they will always feel trapped by the grip of their disorder.  I have chosen this subject to get more people aware of how societal pressure and what is going on in the world causes young people, especially girls, to not feel good enough.”

Her work will be displayed at the 11th annual Festival of the Arts, May 22. Plan for it!

In choosing Ashli as this month’s featured artist, KHS Visual Arts teacher James Andrews wrote, “She is one of my Advanced Art students — super nice kid! I was just critiquing her and mentioned how, out of all my Advanced and AP students this year, she has grown the most as an artist. She is so wonderfully teachable.”

Ashli gave a peek into her life. “I live a quiet life in Miller Bay with my mom. I keep to myself, I do me. I don’t let others change me. My room is totally decorated with pictures and art. I feel art reflects on the community. It adds beauty and value. There is so much awesome and beautiful art by talented people out there.”

When I asked what she likes to do, she said, “Oh! Gosh! I have no life!” Not true, as this self-proclaimed quiet, shy artist continued telling of the passion she has for “doing art” including photography. With her mom’s good camera and her older sister’s inspiration, she gets “really, really close to nature. As long as I can remember, I have wanted to earn a B.A. in Fine Arts — Photography.” She has already earned a College Bound full-ride scholarship to the Seattle Arts Institute, thanks to a KHS counselor who has been staying on top of it and keeping track of Ashli.

This fiercely compassionate and passionate artist says, “I love school and learning and really want education. I want to go somewhere, do good, not have to struggle like my mom. I am hoping art is the way!”

— Contact FAB Spotlight columnist Marilyn Bode at lidenbode@aol.com.