ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Tatum Tornkvist

May 2020 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Tatum Tornkvist

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗞𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗧, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Tatum Tornkvist of Caraway as the final Student Snapshot Recipient of the year. Tornkvist was nominated by Art Instructor Holt Brasher.

“I chose Tatum for my student spotlight nominee as he is an exemplary student with a willingness to learn and a wonderful work ethic. Tatum has been in my art classes for two semesters now, all the while making high grades and staying diligent on his work. He has faced hardships in his personal life and yet he has stayed grounded and determined to make the best grades he can and make some wonderful art as well,” said Brasher.

Tornkvist plans to major in art because he enjoys it and sees it as an avenue where he can express himself. “My major is Art, because personally I really enjoy it as a form, and it has really helped me get through the hardest parts in my life.”

Brasher touts the effort that Tornkvist puts into his work, but also how he deals with others.” I am proud of Tatum's consistency, his commitment to his work, and how he treats his classmates. Tatum offers critiques in class. The whole time he is enthusiastic and genuinely enthralled with other students’ artworks. He is a positive force that is willing to help others and share tools as are needed. I'm happy to have him in my classes and proud to call him my student,” said Brasher adding that he looks forward to seeing Tornvkist become a successful, full-time artist.

Tornvkist, who graduated from Riverside High School before coming to ANC, enjoys a variety of things outside of the classroom. In addition to his art, he plays the ukulele and loves playing video games. He cites low cost and the personal feel of a small school as reasons for choosing ANC.

“I chose ANC, because it's a good place to start your higher education, your tuition is more affordable, it is a smaller campus and it's close to home. I also had relatives that have attended ANC in the past and they've had nothing but positive things to say about it,” added Tornvkist.

It is no surprise that Tornvkist loves his art classes. “My favorite classes are Printmaking and Foundations. The classes are really fun to be a part of, and not only that, but really informative about the art field. Also, Holt is a fun person to be around.” 

His experience at ANC has been made better by developing a wonderful relationship with Brasher who cares about the success of his students and who notices those who work hard.

“Tatum is deserving of this recognition due to his resilience, determination, and commitment to his work and his art, as well as his treatment of fellow students. I commend him for his work,” said Brasher. 
 
For his part, Tornvkist seems to have blossomed under Brasher and gained confidence through Brasher’s reassurance. That kind of encouragement is not lost on Tornvkist, who has advice for high school students when considering college, “Sometimes the transition is better when you continue to go into a small campus where the teachers are able to get to know you.”