Kacea McKinney, a senior at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, can add award-winning artist to her list of accomplishments.

The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts named McKinney a Level III winner in its prestigious youngARTS program.

Each of the 141 finalists was selected from an original application pool of nearly 8,000 students representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

YoungARTS celebrates and rewards student artists in each of nine artistic fields: cinematic arts, dance, jazz, classical music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing.

McKinney's award was based on evaluations during youngARTS Week, a five-day intensive training and performance program with world-renowned educators that was held Jan. 7-12 in Miami.

During youngARTS Week, students participate in master classes, workshops, readings, exhibits and enrichment activities. They also have the chance to perform in front of renowned artists and art educators.

While McKinney did not perform, her piece was displayed in an art show, and she entertained questions from viewers about her work.

McKinney said she enjoyed meeting all the new people and students during youngARTS Week.

"They were talented, and it was great seeing what students are doing outside the state of South Carolina," she said.

McKinney's award was based on a series entitled "Vanity," six colored pencil drawings she created in her advanced placement art class at O-W.

While she admits colored pencil is her favorite artistic field, McKinney is in the process of learning how to paint, she said.

After graduation this spring, McKinney hopes to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design and major in sequential art, which is similar to the art depicted in comic books. Her career goals include working as a sketch artist for Pixar Animation Studios or a comic book artist for Tokyopop.

For a complete list of 2008 NFAA youngARTS winners, visit www.youngARTS.org.

T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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