Our School

Summer Austin ’25 discovered her passion for art as a 6thgrader at St. Bridget’s School. She picked up a brush and illustrated her feelings on paper.

It wasn’t long until she discovered digital art. From there, her talents and curiosities skyrocketed. “I watched a YouTube video of a digital art demonstration,” she said. “I absolutely loved it.”

Although she loved traditional art, Summer found it a challenge to purchase the required expensive materials. She didn’t want to ask her parents to consistently spend hundreds of dollars in art supplies. Digital art seemed more cost effective. However, she needed an iPad to get started.

“My parents work very hard. It would have been a lot to ask them to spend $800 on an iPad and Apple Pencil. I saved $400. My parents paid for the rest of it. I finally got it during Christmas of 2020”

Once she had the necessary equipment, Summer was free to create. She uses her art as a form of comfort and an outlet for self-expression. “I am not a talkative person. I use my art as a way for people to get to know me.”

Summer, a student in art teacher, Rosanne Shea’s Drawing and Design Class, submitted a digitally hand drawn piece to Donate Life Connecticut’s Arts Contest. She emerged as the winner of the organization’s Tony Award. This accolade, given to one student each year, is named in memory of Tony Fenton who passed away from Cystic Fibrosis.

“When I first started creating drawings, I was very self-conscious. Over that time, that has changed. I never would have believed that I would have won a contest for my art.”

“I am so proud of Summer,” said Mrs. Shea. “This is a very prestigious art contest.”  

According to their website, Donate Life Connecticut is “dedicated to the purpose of public education and awareness for all Connecticut residents concerning the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation and increasing the number of registered donors.”