FLOYD COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY STUDENT FEATURED IN BSCTC ART GALLERY

Dakota Collins always dreamed of her art being displayed in a gallery.

Her dream is now a reality.

Collins art is on display through March 2 in the Michael B. and Carolyn S. McCall Art Gallery on the Prestonsburg campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC).

I sometimes just walk over here and just take it in, said Collins, 17, a high school junior and first-year student in the Floyd County Early College Academy. She will graduate high school next year with an associates degree and plans to continue her education at Morehead State University. Art is relaxing for me, and it brings me so much joy.

Collins said she always appreciated art. I dont remember a time when I wasnt drawing, she said.

She started painting about four years ago and is the youngest member of the Kentucky Art Tribe, a group of local artists in eastern Kentucky.

Being a part of the Kentucky Art Tribe gives me an outlet to discuss ideas and my artwork with others who are learning and growing as artists, she said. The group has provided so much insight and encouragement.

This is the first time Collins work has been exclusive in a gallery.

Thats the part that kind of talks your breath away, she continued. I never thought Id have the opportunity to display my art in a setting like this.

Tim Sizemore, who oversees the art gallery, said Collins portfolio expands a wide spectrum of work from death to beautiful nature scenes.

She has a passion for art, said Sizemore.

A reception will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, February 19 in the art gallery. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, contact Sizemore at (606) 889-4746.