March 2026 Member of the Month

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Juanita Beltran is a 16-year-old honor student at Pinelake Preparatory High School in Mooresville, North Carolina, whose passion for art has been evident since early childhood. While most toddlers were building with blocks or playing with toys, Juanita was carefully sketching detailed images far beyond her years. From a young age, she displayed a natural curiosity for shapes, textures, shading, and color composition.

Rather than spending her free time on video games or cartoons, Juanita gravitated toward sketchbooks, fine-tip pens, and drawing tools. She eagerly watched art and animation tutorials, studying techniques and practicing for hours to refine her craft. As she grew older, so did her talent making it clear that her artistic ability was not only a gift, but a true calling.

Juanita especially enjoys illustration, animation, and painting, where she brings imagination and emotion to life through her work. Three years ago, she was introduced to Mooresville Arts through a recommendation from her Pinelake teacher, Mr. Leluika, who also serves as an instructor there. Since then, she has faithfully attended his Saturday morning classes, continuing to strengthen her skills and expand her artistic expression.

Juanita’s dedication, discipline, and creativity reflect both her academic excellence and her deep love for the arts, positioning her for a bright future in the creative world.

Check out Juanita's artwork in the 22nd Anniversary Youth Art Show at the gallery through March 26th, 2026.