Becoming a successful artist often takes years of hard work and dedication, as one must blend natural talent with hours of practice. Senior Norah Robinson has achieved recognition for her art, as she received a full scholarship to Austin College and the honor of having a piece displayed at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Upon receiving the scholarship, Norah and her family were filled with excitement.

“I felt overcome with emotion—a mixture of shock, gratitude, and pride,” Norah’s mother Angela Robinson said. “It was an incredibly generous offer and so affirming to have complete strangers validate her hard work and abilities.”

Norah’s artistic achievements do not end there, and her family was once again shocked when one of her pieces was selected to be at the museum.

“I was incredibly honored,” Norah said. “When I went to the award ceremony in Austin, I realized how big of a deal it was and was pretty proud of myself.”

Norah’s passion for art started at a young age and was fostered by her parents, who got her a private art teacher when she was four. 

“For as long as I remember, she has loved art,” Norah’s mother said. “When she started elementary school at Johnson, Norah was blessed to have the absolute best art teacher, Kristy Hancock. She is always so supportive and encouraging. Mrs. Hancock introduced Norah to various mediums and grew her confidence as an artist.”

Hancock saw Norah develop as a young artist and remembers her talent and dedication emerging early on.

“She was always very serious about her art,” Hancock said. “It frustrated her when she was really young because her ideas were often more advanced than what her little hands could do. As she got older, she became obsessed with details. It didn’t matter if she was drawing, painting, working with clay, or creating a collage.  She knew what she could see in her mind, and nothing else would do. She would continue working on projects long after other students were finished to get hers just right. I have always admired that about her. She is determined.”

While Norah took a few years off from art after elementary, she joined art classes again in high school and was reminded of her passion. IB art in particular, helped her continue to develop as an artist.

“IB art has forced her to try different mediums, methods, and techniques,” Norah’s mother said. “At times, she even tries techniques that she didn’t enjoy, which I think has helped grow her confidence. I love that she isn’t afraid to be innovative and try new things, continually growing her experiential toolbox.”

But Norah doesn’t just do art for school; she also does it because she enjoys it.

“Art is a way for me to decompress,” Norah said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I really enjoy it; that’s why I want to do art for a career.”

Norah wants to pursue a career in art and plans to study art and design. When she first proposed this to her parents, they were skeptical but quickly grew supportive.

“When Norah presented the opportunity to pursue art and design in school and as a career, I will admit I was a little bit nervous,” Norah’s father, Jason Robinson, said. “After seeing the response of friends and even random strangers willing to purchase her art, it showed me there is another world out there I know little about. It gave me confidence in her ability to do whatever it takes to be successful.”

Norah plans to continue growing as an artist and hopes to become an interior designer or a tattoo artist.

“I can’t believe I’m blessed with such a gifted and talented daughter,” Norah’s father said. “I’m not the biggest art fan, but even I can appreciate her work. I’m so thankful for her upcoming college experience and the ability to travel. She will do amazing things.”