I live in the quaint town of Mt. Holly Springs, hence the origin of my name. My family and I have enjoy dining in Carlisle since it’s a mere 15 minutes away. We’re regulars at The Hamilton Restaurant, John’s Restaurant, and Al’s Pizza & Subs just to list a few places that also inspired my telephone box artwork. One of the best parts of life is the experience of taste as well as the sweet and savory memories that come with it. A dessert I fancy are french macarons, which are delicious at Helena’s! The best pho soup to get for a Saturday lunch is from Quy’s Vietnamese! The eggroll lady will take good care of you with generous portions. Also, next time you visit Horner’s Corner BBQ & Grille be sure to check out the mural I painted that greets you at the entrance. 

Carlisle has always been an eventful area to enjoy car shows, summer fairs, First Night in Carlisle, or browse artsy shops on Pomfret Street. This town has definitely influenced my life. The Cumberland County Historical Society’s History Summer Camp reminds me of games rather than dry lessons. Ever since I could hold a crayon it was evident I had a gifted artistic eye. For six years starting at the age of 5 I took art classes with Nancy Stamm refining my talent. In 2005 I took an adult photography class at Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) with Guy Freeman. Currently, I attend Carlisle’s Bethel Assembly of God church and teach the kiddos at Sunday school every now and then. While in youth group I participated in Fine Arts, a talent show for Christians. To put the cherry on top, in 2011 my 3-Dimensional art piece called “In the Garden” won first place at Nationals.

In grade school I worked up my leadership skills serving as president of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). My last year being a high school bubbler I expanded my collaboration abilities by attending a visual arts class in Harrisburg called Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA). For two years I was an event photographer at Carlisle Events who captured everything under the summer sun such as miniature wrestlers, models, dog tricks, and monster trucks. I also had the opportunity to work at Hartmann Fine Arts Conservation. On rare occasions one of the owner’s mountain lions or referred to as the Maine Coon cat would come visit while I did tedious restoration. In the process of studying for my Associates of Applied Science Degree in Graphic and Interactive Design I worked as a graphic design lab assistant. Some may have thought I just lived in that bittersweet computer lab. Now I can proudly say I am a lightly seasoned professional in my field with over three years of experience being a graphic designer serving as an illustrator, and photojournalist at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

My hopes for the future of Carlisle is that we continue to be rich in entertainment, unique shops, and restaurants of all flavors. This helps the town stay as an attraction for foodies or locals on their daily stroll. Outreaches like the Salvation Army, Project Share, and Hope Station is beneficial to the health of this community. This place wouldn’t be the thriving, inviting town that it is now without the people behind it all. My love for Carlisle can be seen in the various ethnic tastes of my telephone box. Although it looks delicious please don’t taste it. – Holly Cohick, featured artist for Art While You Wait, corner of W. High St. and South Pitt St.