My name is Tracy Echais! I’m from Falls Church, Virginia, and am currently a second year in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in painting. My love for art has been with me ever since I was a child. From elementary to high school, I’ve always taken art classes, honing my skills and techniques. My main medium is acrylic paint, but I’ve explored many other mediums that it’s hard to choose a favorite. My passion for art began with my family who showed me what art can be and what it can express. With the support of my art teacher during my senior year of high school, I won my first-ever gold key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. It made me realize that art meant much more to me than just a hobby. After much consideration, I decided to take art more seriously and applied to college with an interest in becoming an art major. Outside of my studies, I’m an active member of the UVA Wushu club where I have fun preparing for performances, including martial arts. Being an art student at UVA has been such a fun experience and a challenge, it has pushed me to become a better artist and thinker. I’m honored and excited to join the Miller Arts community with fellow students who share the same passion and goal as I do!