Fine Arts Student of the Week Harley Kopek and Jayda Robinson – Brainerd Dispatch

Grade: Senior.

Age: 18.

Art focus: Theater.

Adviser nomination: “There are some seniors during high school that go through a slide around the spring and are not as dedicated to their school work, or their extracurricular activities. This is not the case with Harley Kopek. Harley is making the most of their senior year and has done remarkably well in the role of Snoopy in the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Last week, actors needed to have Act I and Act II memorized, and Harley did not miss one line or even one word! I am beyond proud of them! Congratulations, Harley and break a leg April 26-28 at performances!”

Memorable fine arts achievement: Representing the arts with a speech at the Brainerd Legendary Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

How did you get interested in theater? I’ve always been a performer. That means I was a weird kid. I always wanted a place to meet others who got really into reading out loud in English class.

What do you love about theater? I love loudly expressing the whole range of emotions. I make people laugh, and I don’t even have to come up with anything!

Favorite production: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

”What’s the most challenging part of theater? Not only does it require you to have a lot of energy, but it requires you to display a lot of energy.

Talk about your role in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown:” I’m Snoopy! I almost always am talking directly to the audience, which is something so fun that I haven’t been able to do before. Snoopy doesn’t talk in the cartoons, so I get to bring a new life and expression to the character. He’s a simple dog, in the way that a man is simple.

Dream job: Field ecologist.

Other extracurricular activities: Art Club.

Favorite movie: “The Book of Life.”

Favorite TV show: “The Owl House.”

Favorite book: “Life on Mars.”

Favorite subject: History.

Favorite band/musician: Dallon Weekes.

Favorite song: “DOWNSIDE.”

Favorite food: Sweet orange chicken.

Parents: Hollie Kopek.

Grade: Sophomore.

Age: 16.

Art focus: Pottery.

Adviser nomination: “Jayda Robinson is our fine art student of the week for her exceptional work in pottery! Jayda is a quiet, hardworking student that applies creative processes for a well thought out pottery piece. Her pottery is completed with attention to every detail; from proper attachment of the parts, to texture, extreme craftsmanship, to the final glazing! Jayda puts forth every effort for amazing pottery! Congratulations, Jayda!”

Memorable arts achievement: Making a lion.

What drew you to pottery? Mainly watching people on YouTube making incredible stuff, and just admiring and wanting to do something like that.

Where do you get inspiration for your work? From these artists named North of the Border, Dr. Garuda and sculpture_Geek.

What’s your favorite kind of piece to make? The lion, because it’s a brave animal that is also called the king because of strength.

Which project are you most proud of? The yin & yang koi fish plate.

Artist most admired: Kiptoe.

Dream job: Owning my dream zoo.

Extracurricular activities: Boxing.

Favorite movie: I don’t have a favorite, but I like any that has basically every genre except romance and horror.

Favorite TV shows: “Family Matters,” “Smallville” and “One Piece.”

Favorite book: “Solo Leveling” by Chugong, “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda and “The Boxer” by Nikesh Shukla.

Favorite song: I listen to anything except for country music.

Favorite food: I like all food

Hobbies: working, building things in the woods, cars and boats, nature, working out, drawing, making a dream video game with my cousin.

Parents: Ca$h Robinson and Heather Vukelich.