Craig Cropek

A Bit About Me

     For a short biography focusing on my artistic endeavors and where I started my artistic career, my artistic journey and career enlivened suddenly in a huge growth spurt at the young age of 18, and I attribute my short burst of success to my God. While in my senior year of high school, I received a life changing opportunity that has contributed greatly to my artistic paths. This life-changing opportunity started upon my first solo exhibition, at College Hill Coffee in Winfield, Kansas. From my prior artwork exhibition, I entered some of my 2D artwork to "Fine Arts Day" at Cowley County Community College and was awarded a books and tuition scholarship after winning three awards, including best of show. Coming from a poor background, this helped my college experience leap off to a great start. The project in a class that changed me the most as an artist, while pursuing my associate degrees, was a stone sculpting project in my sculpture class. Though I started with graphite drawings, painting, and soft pastels, I expanded to 3D art forms in my next steps in life. I enjoyed stone sculpture, the process, and the intrigue so much from that point on that I pursued an emphasis in sculpture for my Bachelor of Fine Arts when I transferred to Fort Hays State University. With my love for art, I hope to utilize it in a way that can impact people positively.