Arts Council Honors Shawnees Peacock as Artist of the Month

By Bill Zimmerman
Arts Council Menifee

Every month, Arts Council Menifee recognizes a young artist in Menifee for his or her talents. This month's winner is a little different, for two reasons. First, the artist chosen this month is a Literary artist. Second, recipient Shawnees Peacock is usually the one writing about the Artist of the Month for the Arts Council.

Peacock is a 20-year-old college sophomore at Mt. San Jacinto College,studying journalism. She is a focused student who frequents the President's Honor Roll, is part of the Honors Enrichment Program at MSJC and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honors society. She is president, assistant editor, and staff writer of The Talon, MSJC’s student-run newspaper, and is currently being trained to work as a writing tutor for MSJC's Writing Center for the Fall 2013 semester.

Aside from writing, Peacock has always been a creative individual and as a child enjoyed dance and fine arts.

"I’ve danced for about 10 years, competitively for three years. It was definitely a full-time commitment for my family and me," said Peacock.


Now, Peacock uses writing and reading as her creative outlet. She enjoys all types of art and this passion has influenced her decision to write.

"I have an immense love for art. I would live in a modern art museum if that were socially acceptable. My interest in art ultimately influenced my decision to write for Arts Council Menifee," said Peacock.

Last year, MSJC’s Dean of Student Development JoAnna Quejada recommended Peacock as an intern journalist for Arts Council Menifee and both have benefited from Peacock's involvement with the organization.

"We are blessed to have working with us a student journalist, a literary artist, who appreciates our mission of bringing local artists to the community,” said Shirley Wible, Arts Council Menifee’s Literary Arts Division Chairperson.

Peacock also volunteers her time to write articles for the non-profit arts group. The Arts Council has enjoyed seeing Peacock develop her skills as a writer and have chosen her as Artist of the Month because she reflects dedication and passion for the arts. With her desire to excel, those at Arts Council Menifee are sure that Peacock will find success in her future goals.

"Whatever career path I choose, my ultimate goal is to make an impact in some way or another," said Peacock. "When I look back on my life, I want to be proud of what I have accomplished. I want to feel that I have lived out my dreams. I want to know that I have experienced all that I can experience."

For more information about Arts Council Menifee and other Artist of the Month winners, visit the organization's website.