By Darla McCammon
Columnist

Chloe Romack displays her work. Photo provided.

Thanks to instructor Don Swartzentruber, I interviewed Advanced Placement art student and Warsaw Community High School senior Chloe Romack. One of the first questions I asked her was “How has the coronavirus pandemic affected you?”

“It has made it very hard for me to be motivated,” said Romack. “Once school was cancelled it took a few weeks to get used to staying inside all day and doing e-Learning. Most classes have been flexible and have tried to make it as fun as possible, but I can tell it is hard for everyone. I am happy teachers have been checking up on the students knowing that it is difficult to teach yourself lessons, especially if you just want to graduate. In my AP studio art class, I have been able to finish my portfolio and now can do some fun projects to end the year.”

A lifelong Warsaw resident, Romack has been accepted at Western Michigan University and is excited about beginning there this fall. Her major area will be pre-med with aspirations to one day become a physician. She provided me excellent anatomical drawings, one particularly detailed, of the human heart. A recent Art in Action column discussed a large market for medical anatomy artwork. Perhaps Romack’s art and medical studies will be well-blended should she end up with a job as a physician one day.

Romack’s grandparents recognized her talent when she was young. They asked her parents if they could provide lessons for her as a gift. Thus, Romack was introduced to formal training that has served her well as a good foundation.

Most of her favorite art pieces are done in either watercolor or pencil. Both media show a decided competence in her hands.

“Watercolor is used through most of my portfolio but I also love working with pencil,” said Romack. “I find it very calming when I do shading.”

Multiple paintings pour off the fingers of Romack. She tries to make every project a learning experience. From paintings and drawings of Adirondack chairs to unusual views of scoliosis patients, she devotes herself to producing detailed and passionate work that evidences great promise.

As a National Honor Society student, Romack is on a steady path suited to her desire of becoming a doctor. By volunteering at a local community hospital, Romack has participated in a variety of duties that demonstrate her desire to help others.

Her Honors membership will also serve her well at college where she aspires to be accepted into the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University, in which learning experiences and volunteer opportunities are provided to high achieving students.

I hope to hear much more about Chloe Romack in the future as she progresses with her goals.

Updates:

• Lakeland Art Association is scheduled to hold its annual spring show on May 10. Contact Elizabeth Wamsley at [email protected] to verify dates and receive a prospectus.
• The Oakwood Fine Arts Festival is still planned for June 13. Call (574) 377-7543 for details and information.
• The Fort Wayne Arts Festival at Jefferson Pointe will happen Sept. 12 and 13. Call (916) 397-7589 for details.