Becton is proud to name Zuri Thorn as the March Artist of the Month! This marks her second time receiving the honor, making her a two-time winner.
“I was definitely a little shocked,” Thorn emphasized, “I didn’t expect to win, especially since I won Artist of the Month last year. But it was a really great surprise.”
Throughout her art classes, Thorn has developed a range of creative projects. Among her favorites are a stained glass piece, a wood-burning design, and a colorful mask completed in Cultural Art II.
Outside of school, Thorn is especially proud of her crocheted denim mini bag and a homecoming dress made from recycled clothes. “It felt amazing to take old clothes and give them completely new life,” she shared. Thorn also notes her constant love for three-dimensional art like crocheting, sewing and crafting, “I’ve always loved making things ever since I was little.”
When choosing Artist of the Month, Becton art teacher, Mr. Edward Donovan, expresses, “I look for a strong work ethic in class and genuine effort in understanding the ideas presented. At this point in the year, during Marking Period 4, I also look for specific successes in various projects. For example, Zuri Thorn has demonstrated great time management and work ethic in class, as well as produced several successful projects. Her plaster mask, pyrography and current stained glass project are all examples of her achievements.”
Thorn is a thoughtful and original artist whose work reflects a strong personal voice. Her projects consistently exceed expectations, and each completed piece is distinctively her own. Mr. Donovan notes that she stands out among her peers because she, “quietly dedicates herself to each project,” he shares, “trying new things until something works, and then continues practicing to hone the skill.”
Thorn is not satisfied with just a basic understanding, she pushes herself until her projects meet her own high standards. Mr. Donovan praises, “When learning new techniques and media, ‘detailed’ can look different based on the artist‘s current ability level in that new technique. Zuri is intent on making each form of art her own, and her artwork reflects that in the amount of thought and detail you can see in each finished product.”
Over the years, Thorn has pursued a wide range of art courses both at Becton Regional High School and during the summer months. Her coursework includes Cultural Art I and II, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. Last summer, she expanded her artistic studies at the Maine College of Art & Design, where she focused on fashion, drawing, and printmaking. Currently, Thorn works as an assistant artist at a local painting studio and manages a small business, selling her handmade creations through Depop and her personal website. Looking ahead, she aspires to build a career in the field of industrial design.
Thorn’s continued dedication to developing both her artistic and entrepreneurial skills demonstrates a clear commitment to turning her creative passions into a meaningful profession.
Congratulations to our March Artist of the Month, Zuri Thorn!
