For all her life, painting wildlife depictions has been junior Paige Hval’s passion. Now a number of her paintings are showcased at Parker Furniture on Southwest Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway.

Hval began exploring her artistic interests during elementary school, focusing mostly on art with watercolors, pastels, and color pencils. As her skills evolved, she began taking portrait workshops. Although she has expanded her art interests, most of her pieces are oil paintings of wildlife. Hval particularly enjoys creating animals through her art. “I always try to showcase their beauty through my artwork,” she said.

Her earliest achievement dates back to the fifth grade when two of her paintings were sold in a silent auction in support of the Shambala Preserve, a reserve for abused Big Cats. “That was my first big art accomplishment,” Hval said.

During her freshman year, Hval had her first solo exhibition in the Pearl District and then again in her sophomore year. She has also done many commissions and has sold one of her pieces to raise money for the Global Roots Foundation, a children’s organization founded by 1984 alum Rick Montgomery.

Hval will most likely have another exhibition in the fall. She plans to center her art on wildlife. “We live in a world disconnected from nature,” Hval said. “I try to recreate that connection through my art.”