Renee’ Smith chosen as top art student

Selected by Southern University’s department of fine arts, Renee’ Smith, has been classified as being one of the most talented students, excelling in five out of the six levels of study.
“It has been a while since we have had a student that can do exceptionally well in most of the six parts of this curriculum. She is a rare talent,” said Robert Cox, an instructor in the fine arts department Smith, a Baton Rouge, native and a senior majoring in fine arts had no idea that she would be where she is now when she started.
The winner of many art awards including, placing first in a Founder’s Day Art Competition and in a student art show
“I actually had no idea on what I wanted to major in, before entering college, but I was always interested in cartoons, animated characters,” Smith said.
Also proud of the department she is in, she attributes her success to the instructors and chose to major in art not for money but interest.
“I majored in art because all of the professors are professional and they are practicing artists. In some department the instructors don’t work in their field anymore. Some of the professors don’t enjoy what they do. The professors love what they do. Teaching art and they are dedicated. They have brought us supplies to use,” Smith said.
Realizing that they helped her mature as a student and proved that artists can make a living, she has grown.
“At first I didn’t want to listen to anybody. I wanted to do everything my way, then one of the professors said, ‘We are not trying to hurt you, but make you better,’” Smith said.
Mostly interested in sculpture design she wants her work to confuse, start arguments and trigger the mind to think.
“I want people to stare at my artwork and not know what I was thinking. I constantly daydream and scribble. Something is always on my mind and when I get to class, I have a chance to express myself. I also want people to see my hardwork and dedication,” Smith said.
Glad that she chose to attend Southern, she will always represent Southern and feels everyone else should too.
“When you graduate, people will always ask, what school you graduated from and I will proudly say Southern University. I want people to know I came from Southern,” Smith said.
Smith has also left a great impression on the instructors in the department.
Renee’ Smith has plans to attend graduate school and dreams of showcasing her work overseas.