KENT ISLAND—Stevensville Middle School (STMS) proudly announces Lea Sipes as the QACPS Visual Arts ‘Teen of the Week’.Lea, an 8th grader at STMS, has been recognized for her exceptional talent and creativity. Mrs. Schrader, Art Teacher at STMS, nominated Lea for this honor, praising her for being such a talented and thoughtful artist.
“She is very friendly and always working on something. I’m so impressed with how smart and hardworking she is. She is a gifted artist, always thinking deeply about what she is doing and what she wants to do. I look forward to seeing where her art takes her in the future,” said Mrs. Schrader.
Lea’s art reflects her passion for expressing emotions and experiences that go beyond what words can capture. One of her standout pieces, a mixed-media painting of a jellyfish, combines vibrant colors and intricate details to showcase her technical skill and imagination. “Art helps me express things that I can’t explain with words and lets me put all of my thoughts and feelings onto a page and make it beautiful,” Lea shared.
Another powerful piece she created in 7th grade focuses on breaking down walls to reveal truth and emotions. “You can’t always cover up your true emotions or you aren’t being true to yourself,” Lea explained. This painting, featuring a hand tearing apart a symbolic heart, showcases her ability to convey vulnerability and raw emotion through art. “I think that the beauty in my art is not just what you see, but the story behind it.”
“Lea is one of those students who makes a lasting impact on both her classmates and teachers,” said Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. “Her thoughtful and authentic approach to art not only makes her stand out, but it also creates a lasting impression on anyone who sees her work.”
In addition to her art, Lea enjoys hobbies like volleyball, crocheting stuffed animals, making jewelry, and sewing clothes. She also has an interest in architecture in the future. Despite her many interests, her focus remains on art, where she continues to develop her style and explore new mediums.
We are excited to see where Lea’s artistic journey takes her and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have both in and outside of the art world. Be sure to come to ArtScene 2025 at Kent Island High School on Thursday, May 1st from 5 – 8PM to see Lea’s artwork and more!