Ideas by Iesha

Vienna, WV -

The Mid Ohio Valley has always had a rich history of artists. It seems no matter where you go in Parkersburg local art museum and exhibitions as well as giant paint murals can be seen just about anywhere these days.

Iesha Sykes is one of those up and coming local artists. Iesha moved to the Mid Ohio Valley In 2018. For her, art is more than just paint and brushes. “I started drawing in the 5th grade” she says. “I learned some of what I know from school but most of the talent is natural and self taught". Iesha says she used to go to friends houses when she was younger and always painted and drew pictures while she was playing with them.

Iesha is 13 years old and goes to Jackson Middle School where she is an 8th grader this year. If you see Iesha, chances are she is drawing or painting. Last fall, Iesha began to make canvas paintings for friends and family. Some of them are unique and completely her design, and others are requests from friends or family of something they want her to paint or draw for them.

“I love to paint because I get bullied at school and picked on by other students and it’s a way for me to calm down after coming home from school, and a way to positively channel my anger.”Iesha says.

Iesha Sykes works on her most recent painting

She uses her artistic talent to turn a negative situation and feeling into a positive talent, and her compassion shows in her ability.

“I hope one day I can use my artistic abilities in my career, however I really want to become a marine biologist and help ocean life.” She has a love for animals and particularly aquatic creatures. Her dream is to be able to help the environment one day and contribute to assisting ocean life rescues and research and discovery.

Iesha started a Facebook page called “Ideas by Iesha” where she will be posting pictures that she draws and/or paints, which she wants to sell to help raise money to put into a college fund for her, so when she graduates high school she can already have something to help her fund her college expenses.

“I would like to sell my art to help save money for college so that way one day I will have the funds to make my dream come true” Iesha says.

If you want to contribute to Iesha’s cause or check out her work please visit her Facebook page "Ideas by Iesha."