Warwick Valley artist of the week: Reagan Oswald

‘Art is a great break from what you’re doing every day’

As a dedicated young artist, Warwick Valley Middle School eighth-grader Reagan Oswald not only creates great pieces of art, but spends her lunch periods helping out in Nicole Sisco and Julie Cosco’s art rooms.

Reagan helps keep the classrooms completely organized, assisting in every possible way to ensure students have the best possible artistic experience.

“I really love art, “she said. “There’s no pressure in art, and art can be anything. It’s kind of a getaway for me, it’s like a timeout from school.”

Helping out, in addition to immersing herself in art, are among the reasons why Reagan is Warwick Valley’s artist of the week.

“I’d rather be coloring and painting and be in an art environment than being outside,” said Reagan. “I really like painting. With paint, you can mix whatever color is in your mind.  Personally, I like observational art. You can look at anything and make it your own.”

Ms. Sisco praised Reagan’s creativity, noting she’s a hardworking and dedicated student. For nine consecutive years, she’s had pieces on exhibit in the district’s student art show. 

“She always puts her own personal spin on the assignments and has her own unique style that shows in her work,” Ms. Sisco added.

Reagan, who aspires to be a middle school art teacher, encourages other students to take a chance and try any art medium.

“There’s no right way or wrong way to do art,” she said.  “With sports or other activities, there can be a strict set of rules. Here, the one rule is that there’s no rules. You can grab anything you want and go for it.”

Reagan’s passion for the arts extends to other genres, too. She’s an accomplished dancer with the New York Dance Center in Chester and takes jazz, ballet, musical theater, hip hop and pointe classes.  She’s even used old costumes as inspirations for drawings and paintings.

Reagan is also a violinist with the middle school’s orchestra, alternating between playing in the first and second violin sections.  She’s also participated in the annual New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) Festival, playing Level IV pieces for adjudicators.

And, while there’s no extra time for chorus, Reagan also stressed she likes to sing.

“Art is very important to me,” she added. “It’s not just drawing and painting, but dance, orchestra and singing. Art is a great break from what you’re doing every day. I would definitely recommend everyone to think about getting involved in the arts.”