Amber Boop, Bluffton High School junior, is the February artist of the month.

"This piece is called Rat House and it's a piece I really love," she told the Icon. "When drawing it the personalities of the rats emerged and evolved. Each of them has a unique personality and story. I loved being able to develop them and their little world.

Amber says that she enjoys art because she enjoys developing a world with her hands.

"I can shape this world however I wish," she said. "I can make it as beautiful, practical, and amusing as I want.

"Every time I make a piece of art, I shape a new small world, and in each of these worlds I imbue a piece of me. I love being able to bring my worlds to life through the self expression art brings."

Vickie Garmon is the Bluffton High School art teacher.