Benedictine College sophomore Kristy Kreitner got in touch with her creative side at a young age, thanks to her art-instructor aunt. But when her teacher at Notre Dame High School in St. Louis nominated her to attend a three-week program at the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at Missouri State University, she was surrounded by talented student artists, musicians and actors. And it was just the inspiration she needed. "It was a really unique opportunity," Kreitner says. "That was probably what really sparked my interest in really wanting to continue art into college." Kreitner's mediums of choice are painting and drawing. Both are areas where she can get her hands dirty drawing portraits and figures, using colors to build the mood around a pose or a personality. And when it comes to that mood, Kreitner would rather portray something more optimistic. "I really don't like expressing sadness or anger. I like keeping things really positive," she says. "There's a mix, but overall, that's what I'm drawn to." Kreitner is one of several Benedictine College students whose work is featured in the Sixth Annual Student Art Show at the Muchnic Art Gallery in Atchison, Kan., through April 12.