Elliot Lake
Managing Editor/ Game Reporter

“I really only paint people that connect with me,” Evonté Shepherd said in reference to his senior show. “Every portrait I do is significant to me whether it’s me, my girlfriend or my brothers or sisters.”

Despite Shepherd’s current love for art, it didn’t start out that way. Shepherd grew up in rural Mississippi and used most of his creative inspiration on “doodles” throughout his schooling.

When he finally made his way to Mississippi University for Women, he originally majored in political science.

“My first plan was to go into government,” Shepherd said. “Then I noticed I was spending more time in [Summer Hall] than I was working on what my major required, so I decided to fully become an art major.”

Shepherd’s decision to change majors was met with excitement and encouragement from students and teachers throughout the Art Department. Shepherd specifically mentioned Associate Professor of Art Alex Stelioes-Wills as one of the main encouragers.

While he enjoys drawing and many other forms of art, Shepherd mostly paints oil paintings, a very time-consuming medium. He paints friends, family and anyone who has made an impact on his life.

“The one constant in my family is if you have a problem, there’s always someone you can go to,” he said. “In my family, if you don’t have anywhere you can go, or you have money problems, there’s always someone there for you.”

Focusing on art has changed the course of Shepherd’s life. Since committing to art, he’s reformed his future multiple times.

“At first I wanted to do art and politics somehow, so I thought of political cartoons,” Shepherd said. “Then I thought about teaching. I’d really like to go back to the community and teach art – give the kids something to focus on other than sports.”

Shepherd’s goals are still changing, though he’s committed to teaching art in smaller communities. Shepherd’s art will be on display during senior show on Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Summer Hall gallery.