Lindsey Williams Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Award of Excellence $2,000 Age 22

"You can't stop change, nor run from it. What you can do is bite down hard and make sure you survive it. I use art."

Lindsey Williams sustained an accident that resulted in paraplegia. She recalls, "I remember when I was in the hospital and my parents brought some of my drawings from home to decorate my room." She received a lot of compliments and support from visitors and staff, motivating her to continue her pursuit of the arts. Within her pieces, Williams attempt to evoke emotion and draw the viewer in. Her work Medical Condition is a personal narrative meant to present her feelings with respect to her disability in a unique way. "Now, paraplegia is a source of inspiration for me, and helps me to not be afraid to show that emotion to everyone." Williams work ultimately addresses change. "Sometimes you need to have a thick skin in order to stay sane. Sometimes you need to have someone look out for you, or you will lose yourself."

Influential Art Teachers/Professors:
Greg Porcaro, Sue Messer, Renee Kremer, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Wisconsin