Ashley Deeds

2023 Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Ashley's life revolves around art, and it has been a constant presence since her early years. From attending regular art classes to spending countless hours immersed in drawing, art permeates every aspect of her existence. As a detail-oriented person, Ashley's artistic focus lies in hyperrealism, capturing the depth and intricacy of everyday objects that often go unnoticed. Through her work, she seeks to challenge perceptions and invite viewers to see the world through the eyes of an artist, highlighting the beauty found in the overlooked.

For Ashley, art is a means of escape into the boundless realms of imagination while also bringing the real world to life. It serves as a powerful medium to express culture, beliefs, and love. History itself is often studied through the lens of art, as it embodies character and can convey the emotions of an entire nation without uttering a single word. Art has the capacity to amplify voices, raise awareness for important causes, and inspire change. Despite the challenges it presents, art is a calling that demands unwavering dedication, continuous practice, and lifelong commitment, all of which Ashley embraces wholeheartedly.

Having participated in art classes since a young age, Ashley is now a visual art junior at Appomattox Regional Governor's School in Petersburg, VA. Although she has honed her creative talent and eagerness to learn, she recognizes that there is still much to explore and discover. Drawing and painting hold a special place in her heart, and she intends to use the summer to advance her drawing skills and build her art portfolio. Attending the Visual Art Portfolio Institute at Alfred University will provide her with the ideal platform to achieve these goals, and now she knows that the Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship will help make this dream a reality.