Student Point of View

Using Art to Educate, Grow, and Heal

By Taylor Petree ’21, Art Education major

I admit that I perhaps did not take the college search process as seriously as some of my high school classmates. I saw college as simply being a means to an end – to earn my degree. My mom, Jamie, is a proud 1998 ODU graduate, so that was good enough reason for me to become a Panther as well.

My decision to attend Ohio Dominican has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. It’s been here that over the past several years I’ve realized my passion, discovered my purpose, and been given resources and support to help both flourish.

The greatest resource I have at ODU is Associate Professor of Art Janette Knowles, Ph.D. Not only have I had an opportunity to develop a close relationship with Dr. Knowles, but she has introduced me to incredible people I now consider family and who have provided me with amazing opportunities to pursue my love for art.

One of those opportunities comes in the form of an illustrated walrus named Henry, a character in a book written by Sr. Rosemary Loomis, OP ’69. In 2017, at Dr. Knowles’ recommendation, I began working with Sr. Rosie to illustrate a children’s book she had written, “Henry’s Hope.” Since then, she has written, and I have illustrated, two books, each of which is intended to help children deal with the topic of grief. My mom has even illustrated three of Sr. Rosie’s books as well – making this project a collaborative effort spanning three generations of ODU women.

Jamie Petree ’98, Sr. Rosemary Loomis, OP ’69, and Taylor Petree ’21.

Having experienced my own struggles with grief, “Henry’s Hope” and its sequel, “Henry’s Gift,” have hit home with me. While I’ve gained practical experience as an artist, I’ve also found that this project has helped me heal as well. To think that my illustrations could help a child who is experiencing similar emotions is an incredible feeling.

None of this would have been possible without the support I’ve found at ODU, and, in particular, from Dr. Knowles. They have changed my life forever.

Read more about this collaborative project at ohiodominican.edu/Petree.