Island Art: Arisa Derricks
You must be special if you're born on Christmas Eve! That was the case with Arisa Derricks 17 years ago, the winner of our April and May Covers Contest at the Ed Complex. A senior student in the Advanced Art II class, headed up by our February/March cover artist John Jones, Arisa won both months' covers, over her six classmates, with her sensitive, bright, and animated interpretations of two important events. "I've always been drawing - anything - since as far back as I can remember. I think my first attempt must have been with a crayon, but now I love dry pastels. I would love to learn more about watercolor and acrylic and to improve my hand drawing. My Mom has been very supportive and has been pushing me to develop my drawing for years."
How did she know where to begin drawing a St. Croix Food and Wine Experience and an Ironman 70.3 cover? "I researched online! I went to the website for the event and got some ideas then added some of my own. I even looked up to see what an actual bicycle looked liked!"
Arisa has applied to several colleges and hopes to major in Graphic Design eventually creating ads for businesses. She has her fingers crossed for the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. She found out about the school at a College Fair held at the Complex, talked with an Administrative Representative at the booth, and then checked out the Art Institute's website. Once she did that, she knew she had found something special. "It felt just like home. I was so excited after that," she says.
Sion Farm is home to Arisa here along with her sister Aliah, her Grandmother, and Father. She likes to read, and loves her laptop. In her spare time, she likes to design dresses so who knows where all this creative talent will take her! Her favoite sport is volleyball and what does she like to eat?--"a nice plate of Crucian food." At school she is a member of the American Red Cross and the Future Business Leaders of America. She's proud to say that "I am the first girl and the first member of my family to go to college." Arisa is very bright and grounded and I am sure her talents and determination will take her to great heights. Thank you for a job well done, Arisa!
