December 12, 2007 Laurel, Maryland

The Puente Library has announced its second artist in the sponsored art series called "Up and Coming…" The series is meant to highlight local young artists and give them a chance to display their artwork in the library. This non-traditional setting gives the artists exposure to wide-ranging audience and experience showcasing their work.

Shelley Hawkins, born and raised in Maryland and a graduate of Largo Senior High School, is currently studying graphic arts at Prince George's Community College. The journey she has taken through the arts began with her love of drawing. She has grown from using various black and white styles to create 3-D effects to painting still life forms with oils, and creating animations and graphics in a decidedly more computerized setting.

"I am a person who pulls from real life because it has always inspired me, and it gives an information platform to build on" says Hawkins. "I am intrigued by the different ways you could learn to express your true self, and experiencing so many forms of art has helped to get me where I am now."

Hawkins has most recently used her talents to design a brochure for Breast Cancer Awareness, and says that creative and strategic layout plans as well as color help to pull audiences into the messages in her projects. Examples of her artwork will on display starting January, 2008.

Library staff invites everyone to stop by and enjoy this artist's work, as well as the many artists to follow this coming school year. Click here for maps and directions to campus.

For more information on the art series and featured artists and for information on becoming or nominating a showcased artist, please contact Rick A. Sample, 301-369-2800.