Chelsea Smith’s journey is far from over!

Chelsea Smith is a young local artist who was featured in Orlando Sentinel article for levering her artwork to raise money for pet rescues. She met hyper-realist artist, Jeff Eckert who spent a considerable about of time reviewing her artwork and connecting with Chelsea. Through forming this relationship, Eckert encouraged her to return the following year.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2004-12-23/news/0412210490_1_chelsea-pet-fair-cheryl-smith

Over the following years Chelsea has continued to raise money for pet rescues by selling her artwork and contributing 100% of the proceeds.

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Chelsea’s artwork for pet rescue fundraising has reached many celebrities such as; Rob Thomas, the GooGoo Dolls, Johnny Marr, and artist Peter Mas. Chelsea has also received honorable mentions by President Obama for her sketch of the 1st Pet “Bo”.

The fundraising activities have resulted in Chelsea spending countless hours creating pet sketches that in turn honed her artistic skills. Her exceptional volunteerism helped Chelsea receive the Dora Lee Russell Scholarship. Chelsea has recently graduated from UCF with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

The Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsored Chelsea as a student artist at ARToberFEST in 2014. This was Chelsea’s very first art festival show and she was able to participate in a show with her long time artistic mentor Jeff Eckert.

Last year’s 2015 Winter Springs ARToberFEST realized a lifelong dream for Chelsea to participate as a professional artist alongside Jeff Eckert. Chelsea’s artwork was selected for judging and she won a Merit Award at the Festival.

“The Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce deserve credit for providing the opportunity of young local artists to participate as children and students within their Art Festivals, which impact lives in a very profound and meaningful way.” – Randall Smith