Kacie Stofko is pictured before her graduation from Jamestown Community College in May. Stofko is continuing her education at Buffalo State University with an eye toward becoming an art teacher.

Kacie Stofko has always had a passion for art.

Now, the Jamestown High School and Jamestown Community College graduate is moving on to Buffalo State University this fall to continue her studies.

“I would love to teach art,” Stofko said. “I am interested in early childhood education, so it’s a degree focused specifically on education and art. It’s cool because I want to continue creating art, but I also want to become an educator. I don’t want to stop making art.”

Stofko’s passion for art began in childhood and grew stronger during high school, leading her to enroll at JCC after graduating from Jamestown High School. While developing as an artist was her primary goal, she kept an open mind about other opportunities.

During her time at JCC, Stofko entered her work in student exhibitions and showcases. One piece she created during her final semester depicts an angry woman — who bears a striking resemblance to Stofko — being poked in the forehead by a needle held by a large hand.

“I was planning on doing more still lifes of food because it felt safe and comfortable,” she said. “But I didn’t feel the same type of passion. So, I started kind of experimenting with how I can vent my emotions into my art.”

“I’m kind of focusing right now on creating art surrounding my mental health,” she added.

Participating in JCC’s Student Showcase pushed Stofko beyond her comfort zone in other ways as well.

“I’ve never really been one to be able to formally talk about my art, so it was something I kind of decided last minute, I should do this,” she said of taking part in an artist talk. “I need to push myself, and I’m so glad I did. I was just really glad to be able to talk about the art department. I had a formal script, but when I got there, it just kind of all flowed out. It was a great experience, and I think everybody should do it.”