By By SPIROS GALLOS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Christina Casperson loves art. She loves it so much, she really doesn't do anything else except make art.
Christina has been creating art for as long as she can remember, but she didn't come into her own as an artist until her freshman year at Niles.
Primarily, Christina uses chalk pastels and oil pastels to make her art, but she has worked in "a little bit of everything," she said.
Christina said that the instruction she received from Niles High School art teacher Mike Isabell motivated her to take art seriously.
Being successful is all about being happy to Christina.
Christina is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Casperson of Niles.
Isabell recognizes that Christina has drive and passion to always do better.
Christina said without the support and encouragement of her parents and her grandmother, or Nona as she affectionately calls her, she wouldn't be where she is today.
After graduating from high school, Christina plans to attend college to study art.
In November, Christina is travelling to Laguna Beach, Calif., to visit the Laguna College of Art and Design, where she hopes to go after graduating from Niles.
She currently has two scholarship offers - one from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Milwaukee, Wis., and another from Alma College in Alma.
Christina said Niles High School art teacher Michael Isabell helped her get her scholarship offers by writing letters of recommendation for her.
Even though she's a senior in high school, Christina got the chance to study at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design for three weeks this past summer.
Christina took part in a sculpting and drawing course at the institute after applying for applying for a scholarship to attend the three week course.
While taking part in the course, Christina got the chance to do some modeling for a couple photography students.
When she's not creating art, which isn't often she admits, Christina is either hanging out at a local tattoo parlor or attending art shows on the weekends.
Christina said much of her work is inspired by her emotions and mood at the time when she's working. Christina also said she listens to music while she works, as a source of inspiration.
Christina's talent has not gone unnoticed locally either. She won the ribbon for champion of sculpting at the Berrien County Youth Fair this year.
At the 2003 youth fair, Christina won grand champion of sculpting. She also merited an honorable mention at the Scholastic Art Show this past year.
Isabell is confident Christina can succeed at whatever she chooses to do.