For Beth Bensuk of Dennard, art has been a passion for years.A 2011 graduate of Clinton High School, Bensuk started decorating her own mini hats two years ago after her mother encouraged her.Inspired by felt hats she used to purchase from retail stores, Bensuk discovered she could decorate her own hats and make a little money in the process. She began her own business through a Facebook page, Mini Top Hat Emporium."I've sold quite a few hats over the last two years," she said.She also attends fairs and craft shows in the area, where she competes and sells her goods. In fact, she placed first at the Van Buren County Fair this year and was able to compete at the Arkansas State Fair.Growing up with an artistic mother, Bensuk was drawn to the art classes offered at Ozarka College - Mountain View. This semester will be her last at Ozarka College, but she has completed at least one art course per semester since she arrived.With instructors like Cheri McKee-McSwain and Dusty Mitchell, she said each class has taught her something new."The teachers are just really great instructors," Bensuk said. "They really like to get involved with the students and help us through the projects."She said she has known students who thought they had no art skills who have come out of their classes and been proud of what they've done. She enjoys how the art classes allow her and other students to take a break from subjects like math and the rigor of school in general."I know a lot of people who are scared of art, but the teachers really help you and try to push you through that [fear]," she said. "Just go for it. I've done things I never thought of doing."She's completed classes like studio art, art history, visual art and is currently in sculpting.Earlier in the semester students completed a wire sculpture that took about three weeks to complete. Bensuk created a tea set, inspired by her Alice in Wonderland style.A true artist, Bensuk dresses up each day for school in costumes typically handmade by her mother, Katherine."It's fun being different," she said. "Students just look at me like they're confused when I dress normal."She describes her style as steampunk Alice in Wonderland. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century.Next up in sculpting, students will be using plaster, which is something she will be working with for the first time."I'm nervous, but I like a challenge," she said.Already a drawer, she enjoyed creating pop art earlier in the semester, as well. She described it as "kind of cartoonish," using primary colors of red, yellow and blue and incorporating in with her drawings."The colors we use makes it so it kind of pops to the eye," she said.Bensuk landed at Ozarka College after a cousin and other family members encouraged her to attend because of its close proximity to home, and it's a decision she hasn't regretted."Once I got here, it was really a friendly place," she said. "It's very community oriented."She plans to transfer to the University of Central Arkansas after she completes her Associate of Arts degree this semester at Ozarka College. She hopes to one day become a librarian.Current students will be able to register for art courses and other courses at Mountain View and all Ozarka College campuses when registration opens on Monday, Nov. 4. Registration for new students will begin on Monday, Nov. 11.For more information, please visit www.ozarka.edu or call 800-821-4331.To read more about Beth Bensuk, read the Thursday, Nov. 14 article featured in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette's Three Rivers Edition by clicking here. ![]()
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