GNA CAMPUS- La’kiah Cooper, a junior at Greater Nanticoke Area, has been named WVIA’s “Artist of the Week” for 2025. This award recognizes outstanding young artists, and La’kiah’s commitment to her craft sets her apart from her classmates, showcasing both her technical skills and creative ideas.

La’kiah began drawing at the age of two, inspired by her newfound love for horses. She started by creating simple shapes to form horse-like figures, gradually progressing to more detailed drawings.

Today, her artwork is semi-realistic and continues to improve. In addition to horses, she has branched out into drawing comic characters, people, and self-portraits, her favorite movie icons, and tattoo ideas.

When creating art for herself, she strives to convey a meaningful message in each piece. Art has always been an integral part of her life and will remain so, as it also serves as a source of income. La’kiah creates custom commissioned artworks for clients around the world and hopes to expand her reach further.

Her goal is to spread love through art and bring smiles to people’s faces with every piece she completes. For La’kiah, art is not only a means of earning a living but also a powerful form of self-expression.

The GNA Insider sat down with La’kiah to ask her a few questions:

What is your favorite medium to work with? 

Charcoal and graphite.

What is your reaction to being spotlighted on WVIA’s Artist of the Week?

I was surprised and extremely excited.

Do you have a favorite piece that you created? 

My piece, called “effortless”, is a charcoal drawing of a rearing horse out of a black/dark background.

Has anyone influenced you as an artist? If so, who? 

Not really a person, but horses have influenced me. Because I love them, their beauty also captured my heart, and I want to replicate the same “awe” factor they give in my pictures.

Are you currently working on anything? If so, what?

I have four commissions in the works. A commission of two German shepherds, my friend’s horse, and my dad’s car/desired horse picture.

What are some challenges you have encountered in your artistic journey, and how have you overcome them?

Art blocks or stages where I feel like I just can’t make good art. It’s one of the biggest pains all artists go through. I’ve learned to take my time, find new inspiration for my pieces, and slowly work my way back to satisfaction.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists? 

Patience and practice are key, and also having good connections and relationships with other artists and/or clients is very helpful. Expand your horizon and be open to ideas!

Does art have a place in your future? If so, how?

Yes, it will be my own brand, and make side money off of it.

Do you think it’s important that art should remain part of the curriculum in schools? 

Yes, definitely. Art allows students to expand and indulge in their creativity and understand complex ideas.