Congratulations to our 2023 Excellence in the Arts Award recipient, JP Kinney! JP  will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue a degree in Art and Design from Lehigh University this fall. JP is an exceptional artist who focuses on painting and drawing. His work includes the use of  many different mediums including oil and acrylic paints, charcoal, pencil, and pen drawings. JP often explores painting on fabric using bleach, and his work has become very popular with students.

He is often commissioned to create new pieces for them to wear! 

 

JP was diagnosed with a rare bone disease when he was just 9 years old. By middle school, he was living in excruciating pain and could no longer walk on his own. During this difficult time in his life, he found that expressing himself creatively through art was incredibly freeing. Painting and drawing took his mind to a place outside of his pain, which allowed him to feel hopeful. As JP received IV infusions of medication, and began to walk on his own again, he also began to reveal his emotions through his art. He often paints people where he tries to capture not only their vulnerabilities and struggles,

but their resilience and determination as well.

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JP has participated in the Cranbury Arts Council's summer camps since he was very young. He then went on to volunteer and work for the Cranbury Arts Council's Summer Musical Theater camp as an art assistant and counselor throughout his high school years. JP has enjoyed working with the campers each summer while sharing his love of art with them. JP's work on the set, costumes, and props of the summer productions has been outstanding and impactful.

We can't wait to see what JP creates in the future!

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Congratulations, JP!