Cold paint touches the hands of all the people Felicia Assurian loves. With an art room filled with supplies and art projects, a door stands out in front of it all. The door is filled with handprints.
Felicia Assurian is a sophomore at Urbana High School and she is dedicated to everything she does. As a member of the Junior Varsity softball team and member of the Urbana News Network, Felicia always strives for her best no matter the cost.
“She is always so compassionate and ready to listen and ready to deal with other people’s problems even when she has a bunch of things going on in her own life.” Junior Brooke Dress recalls.
But of all things Felicia has done, nothing trumps her devoted passion for Art. After growing up in a Catholic elementary and middle school, she remembers the lack of creativity she used while there. Although, this did not stop her.
“My love of art has just always been there, ever since I was younger.” she mentions.
But one of the most treasured things her love of art has given her, is her art room. With tapestries, posters, and art projects on the walls, shelves and drawers with extensive art supplies, her art room is a cozy space to use her creativity. When you walk in though, you will notice the door to the art room stands out.
“I have a door, where everyone comes into my art room, they paint their hand their favorite color or something, then they put it on their door and they sign their name.” Felicia clarifies.
I’ve had the opportunity to see this door – it felt so special to Felicia when she talked about it. I was also able to put my own handprint on the door. It felt like such a special moment being able to!
Felicia mentions how she hasn’t gone a day without doing something creative, whether it is in her art class, in her art room, or little doodles in class. Her love of art isn’t just something she does for fun, it also helps her with her emotions.
“I struggled with mental stuff, but art has always helped me through it.” she says.
Felicia continues to say how art has always been a safe space for her and has formed her dreams. In the future she mentioned wanted to become an elementary school art teacher. But out of all of that, she wishes to say this:
“I just want everyone to be nice to everybody, just know that everyone is struggling regardless and be self aware of that.”
