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Featured Story Ar t ist Dawn M. Scott Resilience and perseverance produces strong roots, resulting in a solid foundation for a purpose driven life. Speaking of roots, the gift of art is a part of my family tree. It seems the concept of individual seasonal color and fashion is incorporated into my DNA. When I see people, my eyes are often, immediately drawn to how the colors they are wearing coincide with their seasonal color palette. My mother often kept a copy of Vogue on the coffee table. I currently work with charcoal, pastels and acrylics. I would certainly welcome the opportunity to work with oils and watercolors. The mixing of colors through painting and the feel of pencils and paint in my hands served as a means of escape. When I can?t express myself, I feel caged. Leaving me melancholy and withdrawn. My current body of work has a theme, which has been derived from a former life of survival, pain and emotional suffering, but has also served as a light during the darkest hours in my life. Hardship and adversity were friends of mine, which Td Jakes states,?the depth of your adversity is often an implication of how high an individual is destined to climb?. Through personal experiences, I am inclined to believe nature has its percentage in child development, but nurturing is a major role in children growing into healthy positive individuals. Dawn M. Scott was born and raised in the Cameron Street Projects, Harrisburg, PA ?income based housing? with four sisters. She has been drawing since the age of five years. One of her first dress designs was of her sisters?prom dress. After high school she completed an Associate?s Degree in Apparel Design at the Clarissa School of Fashion Design, 1991. Uncertain of what path she wanted to embark upon, she began entertaining the opinions of others which resulting in the derailing of her creative self. She obtained her Bachelor?s degree in Human Services Administration, at Chatham University, 2001. After working within the field of social services, primarily ?children and families?, for over ten years she was laid off. Hence the meaning ?Starving Artist?. She was given this time to create and are located in the seating are donated works to shelters, and social services agencies. A notable donation was presented to Health Center 9, 131 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. She provided the clinic with three 24X36 works which are located in the seating area. The clinic met her needs while she was laid off. The clinic provided her medications she could never afford without medical insurance. Provided with time to reflect, she still refrained from pursuing her passion in art, patternmaking and fashion design. She obtained a Master?s Degree in Psychology and Public Administration at Walden University, 2011. She has always had a heart for the homeless population and continues to volunteer with Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa Missions Ministry. She has also received training as a literacy tutor through the Mayor?s Commission on Literacy, Philadelphia, Pa. working within After years of working within the field of social services, God has granted her the grace and means to return to school. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in fashion design. Her dream is to work as a professional patternmaker. Td Jakes stated ?If God provides you with a gift He will make room for the gift?, meaning the gift through his grace will provide the means to sustain you. She has been trusting God and though there have been mountains to climb he often makes a way. 11