 Penney Leigh Rhodes has been named as the Non-Trad of the Month for April. She was nominated by her aunt, Elaine Hogan, who had this to say about her niece: “She is a single mother of two preschool children, and she is a studio art major who has already sold several pieces and has had her own show at a gallery in downtown Wilmington. She is amazingly accomplished and hopes to one day earn her Master of Fine Arts and perhaps teach at a university.”
After a ten-year hiatus, Penney decided to return to school while she was pregnant with her youngest child. The 30-year-old non-trad began as an English major, but she discovered hidden artistic talent after taking a summer painting class as an elective. Two years later, Penney continues to hone her talent as a painter with her work being featured in two campus art shows and Atlantis, UNCW’s creative writing journal. Penney maintains a 3.8 GPA while supporting her family as a single mother. She is also active on campus as the president of the Art Circle, and she also organized the annual Mise En Scene, a community art show, for two consecutive years. Penney acknowledges the support of her mother, Sally Rhodes. Without her, it’s quite possible should would not have been able to pursue her undergraduate degree. She says she has been “the biggest help with watching my children while I attend classes and other functions.” Nominator Elaine Hogan also noted that the mother-daughter duo is “quite the team.” The artist is due to graduate in August of this year. After graduation, Penney would like to attend an MFA program to become an art professor, so she can “make a difference in students’ lives.” For now, she would like to inspire other non-trads to “just be persistent when it comes to seeking out help, be grateful to those who do, and just follow your passions.” Penney says to remember, “You can accomplish anything!” ---------------------------------------------- If you would like to learn how to nominate yourself or someone you know for this award, CLICK HERE.
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