For years, students have been enamored by Alena Titova’s art work as they walk through the halls of Dominion. Recently, she received the National Society of Arts and Letters (NASL) Award at the local level as well as the national. She will be flown out to Phoenix, Arizona where she will receive her $2000 prize.
“Winning the NASL award has just been pretty humbling,” Titova said. “I am very excited to be able to travel to Phoenix, Arizona for a few days to receive the award and meet other talented artists and musicians.”
The NASL award is just one out of many awards that Titova has been recognized for in the past year. Others include The Loudoun County Purchase Award and the Best of Show Award in the 10th Congressional District Art Competition. Titova’s painting was displayed in the Capitol building for a year.
Titova has been painting for as long as she can remember, and art is something that is very important to her. “To me, creating art is a form of meditation. After being bombarded by my vigorous classes, it is nice to be able to go to the art room, put some music on, and just relax and let my hands create something. I have never been that great at sports so I suppose art is my way of expressing myself,” Titova said.
Titova’s has explored all different kinds of art, but typically sticks to portraiture as she likes to stick to realistic drawings. “My favorite piece has thus far been a portrait of my grandmother. It was my first attempt at painting with oil paints so it was a bit of a challenge,” Titova said.
Her art teacher of three years, Mrs. Freeman said, “Alena has shown considerable growth in her technique, style and ability take on criticism. She is open to ideas and works them into her pieces, knowing it will make her stronger. In regards to her contributions to our program, she has set the bar high for future artists.”
Although her senior year is coming to an end, Titova will surely continue her art at the University of Virginia this fall. “I plan to continue taking art courses next year in college and just doing some art on the side. I don’t think that I will ever stop doing something I enjoy,” Titova said.
Titova is still unsure about her major, but plans to explore various math, computer, and humanities courses to find out what she enjoys.