Discover an Artistic Prodigy

During my time in Oregon this year I had the privilege of watching my sister Toreah complete several art pieces, expertly - and seemingly effortlessly - turning ideas into concepts and sketches and finally finished, tangible oeuvres.  At age 17, her ability to capture soul-stirring emotion while telling a story in her work is incredible.

When VANS shoe company solicited designs from high school students across the US, Toreah submitted a design under the "Local Taste" theme and, along with 4 of her classmates, has made it into the semifinals!

It takes 1 click (and no registration) to put your vote in, so check out some of Toreah's work below and then follow this link to support her by voting by Friday, May 9th for North Medford High School in VANS' popular vote contest.  She could win a trip to New York City, see her shoe design manufactured, and win $60,000 for her school's art program!   

Rogue Valley "Local Taste" for VANS (2014)

Toreah is completing her Junior year at North Medford High School this year, where she has played Varsity Women's Soccer since entering the school three years ago.  She serves as a Commissioner at the Medford Art Commission & Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission.  Her works have comprised pencil, pen, oil, acrylic, watercolor, and multimedia; and she is available for private and public commissions. This year, she'll apply to several US universities where she can continue artistic study as well as high-level training and competing in soccer.  She is the only individual on our planet named Toreah Danielle (confirmed by Google), and I discovered just today that one adoring fan even went so far as to define the term "toreah" in the Urban Dictionary.

Part of the Roman Influence on Modern Culture series (2013)

Part of the Roman Influence on Modern Culture series (2014)

Nepal (2012)

Glass and Liquid study (2013)

Dreamland (2013)

Pattern study (2013)

The Water Pump (2013)

Don't forget to vote for Toreah's North Medford High School team in the VANS contest.  Send this girl to NYC!

Shirah, 24 and Toreah, 17  (2014)