Welcome back everyone! With less than two weeks left of the spring 2026 semester and finals on the horizon, I can assure you that all of us art students are working like busy bees. In the midst of this hurried dash to the semester’s finish line, I can’t wait to introduce you to this next Student Spotlight who rises to meet every challenge, and consistently goes above and beyond in her work. Already a published illustrator, this student has the most beautifully developed style that is iconic as it is sweet. She’s got talent, she’s got passion, and she’s got drive! Here’s to….

Eleora Levinson

I am majoring in Art because…

I’ve always had a passion for art. Ever since I could hold a crayon I knew art was going to be a big part of my life. My mom was an art teacher, so art was a large part of my childhood as well. When I started at Marywood my major was Illustration. At that time I was illustrating 2 children’s books. During this past summer I had an epiphany that the passion that drives me is grounded in children’s art. Looking back now it is clear that Art Education has always been the right choice for me. I’ve always loved teaching my little sister and I’ve always been drawn to illustrating children’s books. That being said, illustration will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to share my passion for art with my future students. 

The kinds of things that inspire me are…

Experiences. Honestly, just being with people, having conversations, going to new places, or memories. Usually I get most of my ideas from random experiences and conversations I’ve had that develop into new thoughts or concepts for my art. A lot of my art is inspired by my own nostalgia. 

My favorite art class so far was…

General Illustration 1. I felt in that class I was able to be the most creative and express my art style. I had fun with all of the projects. Especially the one where I was able to create a children’s book.

When I am not in class…

I am probably doing homework, spending time with my family and boyfriend, volunteering at Sunday school, or working on a children’s book. I used to get really car sick but now I don’t, so I love being able to drive to new places and be in nature as well. My mom just published a children’s book I illustrated about bees. I’m working with another author who writes poems about animal sounds. But during the school year a lot of my time is spent doing lesson plans and other homework.

The coolest thing I have done at Marywood so far was…

Be able to observe a classroom and see children create art. I had the best experience observing Pre-K through 6th graders at a private Christian Academy. That experience and being able to see how differently kids think and express themselves through art was invaluable to me.

When I graduate…

I hope to become an art teacher. I would also love to continue illustrating. I enjoy both and hope to continue down both avenues in my life but we’ll see where life takes me.

I would recommend the Art program at Marywood because…

The professors are great. The classes are small so you get a good amount of attention. You can tell the professors really like what they do and their enthusiasm will rub off on you. 

What excites me most about Art is…

It opens up a different world. Everyone interprets things differently. Being able to see different processes and thoughts through artwork is something I’ve always found particularly interesting. 

The skills, themes, and techniques I am working on in my art are …

Lighting and shadow. Marywood was my first formal art class. My high school was Pre-K to 12 and blended middle with high school for art class so it was difficult to learn specific techniques. I would say right now when it comes to art my main focus is developing my shading skills in both digital and traditional art.

Since I started creating, my art has evolved and changed by …

Educating myself. Especially when I was younger all of my free time was spent looking at art, creating art, and discovering different art techniques/mediums/styles. All that over time influenced my art today. I would also say the art classes I’ve taken at Marywood have encouraged me to evolve my art further and look deeper at why I create art.

The way I define art is…

A language. I’ve always seen art as a mode of expressing one’s thoughts, ideas, feelings, or personal aesthetics. I usually liken it to a language because language is a mode of expression as well. Rather than the analytics of spoken language, art is more free. Art can still have rules like elements and principles, which is one aspect that reflects the physical nature of art. The other aspect, in my opinion, is connected to the soul or your innermost being. In this moment, I believe what you create reflects communication between your innermost being and the world around you. 

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“In this moment, I believe what you create reflects communication between your innermost being and the world around you. ” – Eleora Levinson

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I don’t know about you, but I am astounded by the pure brilliance of Eleora’s work! She has built a strong body of creations that show off her toolbox of skill and technique, while also showcasing her creative flair and whimsy. Her attention to detail is evident in all of her work, across the board. The understanding of anatomy that Eleora presents in her work blows me away too; all of her animals are well constructed and shaded. Looking at the work that Eleora has presented, I just know that so many children are going to be filled with joy reading the works she has illustrated, and so many people are going to benefit from Eleora’s tutelage as a future art teacher! Surely, Eleora’s work and attitude towards art is bound to spread hope, creativity, and happiness wherever she goes.

I can shout my praises from the rooftops forever, but I’d love to hear all the accolades you readers have for Eleora’s fantastic art too!

See you at the semester’s end!

-Rebecca Prowse