“A good iTunes playlist can be the difference between inspiration and a severe art block,” says art student Mallory Morgan (‘13).

Mallory has been interested in art for as long as she can remember and hopes to get into Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts.

“I guess I really like that art isn’t a defined thing. You could do basically anything in any style, on any surface, with any material, and someone somewhere will call it art,” Mallory said.

Currently, she is in AP Studio Art with Mr. Beale.

“Beale is great. He likes to hear your ideas and see your plans and sketches, and then gives you advice on how it could be executed correctly and what techniques would really get your idea across,” Mallory said.

Mallory works with many different types of mediums.

“I prefer collage and markers. Sometimes watercolor, when I’m feeling really good,” says Mallory.

With that said, she produces many different kinds of pieces.

“I prefer two-dimensional stuff, like painting and collage,” Mallory said.

This summer, Mallory worked with Mirinda Reynolds, an art teacher at Fredericksburg Academy, and four other art students on a mural in Downtown, Fredericksburg.

“It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” Mallory said.

The 16 by 30 feet depicts a view of downtown from Chatham Manor, along with a girl on her bike.

“Suspended 35 to 40 feet in the air, tied to another person, you certainly get to know each other,” Mallory said.

Mallory helped with the whole mural, but she specifically painted the front bike tire, the bottom rocks, and part of the lettering.

“The thought of everyone passing the mural and talking about our team’s feats makes me smile and want to give everyone a big giant hug,” Mallory said.