Art has been said to be a reflection of the soul, and in Mercer County, two high school students are proving just how vibrant and varied those reflections can be. Holly Brown, a junior, and Ashley Applebee, a sophomore, both students at Mercer County High School, are making waves with their artistic talents, each bringing a unique perspective to the canvas.

Growing up in Mercer County, Holly and Ashley have always been surrounded by the close-knit community that defines small-town life. “Everyone kind of knows each other,” Holly shares. “You make a lot of close friendships when it’s such a small town.” This sense of community has not only shaped their social lives but has also influenced their art.

For Holly, art has always been a way to connect with others. “I’ve always enjoyed the process, but the feeling it brings me once I finish is really what I look forward to,” she says. Her love for acrylic painting is evident in her work, which often features landscapes and abstract pieces, layered with colors and textures until she achieves just the right effect. “I like to do it in layers, one color after another until I get it just right,” she explains.

Ashley, while taking a different approach to her art, also describes herself as someone who thrives on creativity. “I’ve always been a super creative person,” she says, her voice reflecting the excitement that art brings to her life. While Holly enjoys the careful layering of paint, Ashley is drawn more to the boldness of bright colors. “I love bright, bold colors like yellow highlights and blue shadows,” she says, explaining that she prefers to see her work almost leap off the paper with vibrancy.

Their artistic endeavors have not gone unnoticed. Both Holly and Ashley have been involved in the school’s annual art gala, an event that has become a significant part of the community’s cultural calendar. “It’s a big deal,” Ashley says, recalling the excitement of seeing her work auctioned off for the first time. “It was really nice to see my art be appreciated by other people.” Holly echoes this sentiment, noting that being part of the gala has given her invaluable experience in selling her work and receiving feedback from a broader audience.

But art is more than just a school project or a hobby for these two students—it’s a vital part of their identities. Speaking to the role of failure inherent in growth, both young artists grapple with its important role in success that few adults are able to master. “Failure is necessary,” Holly admits, reflecting on the challenges that come with being an artist. “It never feels good, but it’s part of the process.” For Ashley, failure is more of a mental challenge. “Failure is kind of a game you play with your own mind,” she says. “But I think at some point, you grow out of [its limitations] and realize that what matters most is that you like what you create.”

Their creative processes are as unique as their personalities. While Holly prefers the methodical approach of layering paint and ensuring every detail is just right, Ashley is more spontaneous, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings and emotions. “I’ve always been more about creating pieces from my mind or from things I’ve seen,” Ashley explains. This creative freedom allows her to experiment with different mediums and techniques, always pushing the boundaries of her artistic abilities.

As they look towards the future, both Holly and Ashley are considering how art may fit into their lives after high school. “I think it’d be great to pursue something in the art field, but it’s so broad,” Holly says, contemplating the many paths she could take. Ashley, too, is exploring her options, considering how her artistic skills could be combined with other interests, such as psychology. “I think it’d be very good to have art as a skill, not just because I’m good at drawing, but because it helps me connect with people on a deeper level,” she says.

Their journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: both Holly Brown and Ashley Applebee have already made a significant impact on their community through their art. Whether they end up pursuing art as a career or keeping it as a beloved hobby, their work will continue to inspire those around them, reminding everyone in Mercer County and beyond of the power of creativity and the importance of self-expression.

In a world where failure is simply a stepping stone to success and where every brushstroke is an opportunity to connect with others, Holly and Ashley are proving that art is more than just a subject in school—it’s a way of life. And for that realization, we applaud them both.