Hope Hefright

Hope Hefright is one of six students whose artwork will be displayed in efforts to raise awareness for Mental Health Month.

Her artwork will go on display starting April 13 and will run until May 10 along Rt. 62 near Aldi’s.

Hefright is a senior at Eisenhower High School, and has had a passion for art ever since she can remember.

However, this time instead of the fridge, her artwork is being put up on a huge billboard for all to see.

“At first I was scared, but I am also extremely grateful and excited,” Hefright said.

Photo submitted to Times Observer Hope Hefright is one of six students whose artwork (above) will be displayed in efforts to raise awareness for Mental Health Month.

Her hard work, inspiration and creativity are starting to get the recognition it deserves.

She finds her inspiration through comic books and graphic novels, researching her favorite artists on Instagram and Twitter. She loves and admires art that tells a story.

And, that’s the exact method she used to create her artwork for the CORE (Choosing Openness Regarding Experiences) and Lamar Advertising Mental Health Awareness billboard contest.

All the participating students were encouraged to create artwork to be chosen for display on billboards throughout Warren County to raise awareness for Mental Health Month coming up in May.

She started by planning her composition, and creating the message she wanted to convey, which to her is the most important.

“Don’t keep it all inside” was the message that she focused her attention on.

The art pictures a young girl, holding a ball filled with various struggles individuals deal with on a daily basis.

Hefright wanted to make sure a lot of the internal struggles people go through were represented in an equal way.

“All struggles are important,” said Hefright, “everyone is affected by mental health in some way.”

Not only was her passion for art motivation to participate in the contest, but also said that she knows people and has also personally been affected by mental health.

With her winning piece, she wants to remind people that we are all fighting our own battles.

“A lot of people feel like their problems and struggles are a burden to others if they open up and ask for help,” said Hefright, “It’s important to open conversation about mental health, especially for young people.”

The 18-year-old student plans to attend Youngstown State University after graduation to study graphic design, and expand her knowledge and talents in art.

According to her, art allows people to express themselves in a healthy way.

“I just do my own thing,” she said, “Art tells a story without words.”

She loves how art is all about impression and using visuals to convey a message. She is drawn to interesting typography and loves magazines. Hefright is interested in pursuing a career in freelance design, but is really open to any opportunity that comes her way.

“I like how graphic design can be incorporated into a lot of different careers,” she said, “It’s all just really cool.”

Hefright looks forward to learning more techniques at Youngstown and is excited to hone in on her craft and can’t wait to see where her passion in art and design takes her. She is very grateful for the opportunity to have her work displayed while also bringing awareness to a subject close to her heart — the joy of a true artist.