Kennett High School sophomore Emily Hoppenjans was recognized for her exceptional talent at the 2022 Chester County High School and 6th Congressional District Art Exhibition. Emily’s untitled charcoal portrait of Billie Eilish won first place honors in the drawing category.
Art students from schools across Chester County entered nearly 500 pieces in the show that ran from April 8 through April 22 at the Chester County Art Association.
Emily is a student of art teacher Mr. Tom Hironimus. She has taken both the intro and studio art courses with Hironimus, the 2018 recipient of the Chester County Art Association Excellence in Teaching Award.
Untitled piece by Emily Hoppenjans
When asked about the inspiration behind her piece, Emily said the idea actually came from her sister. Tasked by Mr. Hironimus with creating a charcoal portrait, Emily was excited since charcoal is her “favorite medium so far” but says she couldn’t decide on a subject.
“I asked my sister who she thought I should draw, and she said she wanted me to draw Billie Eilish because we both enjoy her music,” explained Emily.
Emily has loved art for as long as she can remember.
“In fact, whenever we went to my grandparents’ house when I was little, I would go straight into the basement and pull out a big bin of paper and markers, and I would draw. I did not take art seriously or realize I had a talent for it until eighth grade,” she said.
Even though college is still a few years away, Emily is considering a potential minor in art, and she definitely sees art as part of her future.
“Even if I don’t incorporate art into my career, it will always be a hobby of mine,” she said.
Understandably, Mr. Hironimus had high praise for his student.
“It is always an honor to have a student be recognized for their hard work. Emily is an extremely talented young woman whose outstanding work was acknowledged with this prestigious award,” he said.
