While most juniors cram for tests and prepare for the harsh Minnesota winter, junior Ben Atmore is taking care of chickens, harvesting his own food, making art and enjoying the California sunshine at the Ox-Bow School of Art in Napa, California.

The Ox-Bow School of Art is a semester-away program for sophomores interested in exploring their artistic abilities in the first semester of junior year.

“The program is for artistically inclined students who want a break from their normal school routine. Students can focus on painting, photography, filmmaking, printmaking and sculpture,” Atmore said.

Art is required and incorporated in nearly every class, including Pre-calculus, where Atmore learned about the geometry behind sundials. It may seem like an overwhelmingly artistic experience, but Atmore mentions that a student can indicate how they wish to balance art and academics in their schedule.

Unsurprisingly, the application process concentrates on a student’s art.

“To apply to Oxbow, you have to write an essay focused on a piece of art and how you believe it reflects you. You also have to create a self portrait out of whatever medium you’d like. It can be painting, sculpture, photography, video, or others,” Atmore said.

He decided to submit a triptych (a three paneled) painting of his original portrait. Atmore is taking full advantage of his time at the Ox-bow School of Arts.

“The most unique part about Ox-bow is the independence and confidence I’ve gained, both artistically and socially,” he said. “I’ve worked on my confidence through my art and my expression.”