Whiz Kid: Jessica Bastidas

One thousand words would not be enough to describe the dynamic talent of this week’s Whiz Kid Jessica Bastidas, a senior at the , nominated by her teacher Lorie Reinhard. 

This 18 year old artistic prodigy’s most recent accomplishment is finishing up illustrations for a 40 page children’s book called Adventures in the Attic, commissioned by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Vying with siblings for the “coveted seat” on her mother’s lap during story time listening to the Velveteen Rabbit made a lasting impression that ignited a passion for illustration. Her passion to preserve the memories and experiences of her own childhood love of books has no doubt inspired her vivid paintings and illustrations.

In her own words, her key to awesomeness is, “I have never lost sight of my ambition to illustrate and write stories. As I continue to study and experience life, the once hazy whim of a child has now become the concrete goal of a determined and impassioned individual.”

As if illustrating a children’s book for NASA isn’t enough of an accomplishment, there is no limit to the awards and accomplishments Bastidas has achieved in her High School Career:

• Presidential Awards for Education
• Twelve Golden Keys for the Scholastic Art Awards on the Regional Level
• Four Silver Keys for the Scholastic art Awards on the Regional Level
• Visionary Artist Nominee for Scholastic Awards
• American Visions Award through the Scholastic Art Awards
• Two Silver Keys and an American Visions Award through the Scholastic Art Awards on the National Level
• Winner of Calendar Contest for the Diocese of Allentown
• First Prize winner at the Young Artist’s Exhibit, Banana Factory
• Winner of Wegman's Earth Day Poster Contest
• Illustration Internship with NASA
• Featured Student in Honors Student Magazine (2010)

“Many of the steps I have taken academically and artistically have been in preparation for one day becoming a writer/illustrator,” Bastidas said.

At 18, her preperatory experiences in studio art and technique include studying at the Baum School of Art, Marchutz School of Art, the and and the Barnstone Studio. In addition to advancing her skills locally, she traveled to Aix-en-Provence, France to study Art Criticism, Art History and Studio Art.

In the midst of her blossoming art career, Bastidas still finds time to volunteer at the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary where she does cleaning and organization. She has also used her talents in her volunteerism, painting murals at as well as Northampton Community College.

A thousand words are not enough to describe the range of talent in this young lady.  With full- scholarship awards to some of the most prestigious Art Institutes – Pratt, Rhode Island School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design and Maryland Institute of College of Art as well as a partial scholarship to California College of Arts — you will be hearing much more from Jessica Bastidas – which is why she has been chosen as this week’s Whiz Kid.

Correction: As originally published, Jessica Bastidas' last name was misspelled.

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to taramichele75@gmail.com. Be sure to include contact information.