Art is the expression of life. It provides an outlet for the creators and gives purpose to the lives of the observers. It acts as a mode of connection in an era of disconnect.
The Fraser High School art program is something to behold, highlighting the dedication and passion of its students, pushing them in the direction of success and refining their abilities toward perfection.
Two of the students in Fraser’s art program continue to stand out and showcase their skills. Senior Erika Lutz (2025-2026 Art Student of the Year) and junior Olivia Cracchiolo demonstrate their talent daily and express themselves in such a way that not only earns them recognition but also leaves their mark on the world.
They shared a bit of their award-winning knowledge from the art world, diving deeper into the artistic process and highlighting the stories behind some of their best work.
Art can often be a simple idea captured by a talented mind. One of Lutz’s most highly acclaimed pieces came as a result of happenstance: a serendipitous scene that turned into a remarkable piece of art.
“I was just walking through my living room and there were tiny little rainbows everywhere,” Lutz said.
She saw this scene and captured it, perfecting the angle of the photograph and spending hours afterward to make adjustments.
Cracchiolo made an art piece for her Drawing and Painting class. She spent weeks on her creation, finding inspiration from pictures she took of herself to make the figures drawn on her piece. Cracchiolo also won many awards for this piece, including a feature at the Michigan Art Education Association’s annual exhibition at Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery.
Both students love their work and are considering pursuing a future in art. “Art is something I’m really passionate about, whether it’s drawing, painting, sewing, or designing, and I’d like to take it further in the future by becoming an interior designer,” Cracchiolo said.
“I think art starts off as a hobby for anyone interested in it. But now that I’ve grown up a little more, I want to pursue it more. I’d absolutely love to know a more creative job or environment. I want to help restore old paintings or be an art teacher,” Lutz said.
Both students share the credit for their success between their own hard work and their strong support systems. They appreciate everything the Fraser art program has given them.
“Fraser’s art program has also helped me improve a lot and learn how to express myself in different ways,” Cracchiolo said. She believes that through the art she has made at Fraser, she has learned how to persevere through challenges and never give up.
Lutz has had a similar experience. “Fraser’s art program has helped me advance immensely, and that’s why it’s so important to offer art courses in school. It’s a great creative outlet and supports so many different minds. I’ve made so much art that I know would not have been created if I wasn’t taking the classes. It has helped me a lot,” she said.
This flourishing art program would not be possible without its teachers, specifically Ms. Allison Hamacher and Mrs. Holly Bolen. They look for students who are “willing to learn new things and are open to suggestions,” Hamacher said.
The road to success in art can be long and difficult, but with the passion that students like Cracchiolo and Lutz possess, anything is possible if they put their minds to it.
“I tell my students that one day you might love your art as you are producing it or even finish it. Then the next day or year you may not be so crazy about it. Visual Arts at times can be a love hate relationship,” Hamacher said.
Despite challenges, through doubt and insecurity, and always with a growth mindset, Lutz and Cracchiolo are paving their way through the art world. The Fraser art program builds up students like them and guides them toward success.
