Meghan Eckl has been creating art since elementary school, but started to become passionate about it in middle school. She loved being able to use her imagination and express creativity, and her skills noticeably developed throughout middle and high school. Eckl enjoys visually expressing messages or meanings that resonate with both herself and the audience. Her favorite medium is charcoal. She began using it during her freshman year and has continued using it every year since. Charcoal allows her to achieve smooth values and fine details, giving certain pieces a more realistic appearance. Eckl plans to major in Graphic Design at UW-Oshkosh starting in the fall. Eckl always knew she wanted to pursue something in the arts, though she only recently discovered that graphic design was the right path. Her AP Drawing portfolio from the previous year centered around the theme of childhood nostalgia. Growing up, she often reflected on how quickly her childhood seemed to pass and how deeply she missed those moments. Eckl thought about how different life is now compared to years ago. Childhood photos serve as frozen memories in time, and she aimed to illustrate nostalgic themes that not only connect with her own experiences but may also evoke similar feelings in others. This piece is titled “Endless Possibilities.” She created it to capture the curiosity of a child’s mind—how young children absorb their surroundings and are eager to explore new possibilities. Encouraging children to engage with new ideas and understand the world supports their growth and nurtures their imagination. The child in the drawing is the artist herself, sitting inside a kitchen cabinet after emptying it and climbing in. Eckl was always discovering new ways to play and imagine. That fearless willingness to try something new is something she misses as she reflects on how much life has changed since then.