Creative art classes are given opportunities to display student artwork across multitudes of showcases. These competitions hosted by various high schools and colleges allow for students to present their creative works, celebrate each other’s skills, and even meet different artists from around the state.
“Typically other high schools, universities, and alternative venues host these showcases. When students participate, they can get invited into spaces they might not otherwise have [had] a chance to see,” sculpture teacher William Harvey said.
While some contests feature pieces selected by the teachers, others are completely open to all students for entry. Teachers encourage students to submit their work to different showcases, provide information, and if selected, enjoy seeing their work among dozens of others.
Art teacher Denise Albright, instructs Advanced Drawing, Ceramics, Painting, and AP Art, and she observes the student work that stand out to her.
“There are some students that really excel in the classes. A lot of students work outside class [and then] come in for study hall,” Albright said.
Art classes take part in different creative projects that students have come to enjoy. The most popular ones include the paper mache “altered book” project that takes place in sculpture, painting over digital photos in digital design, and even drawing character art.
“I noticed a theme of gratitude for small moments and have gotten to know my students as kind, dedicated, grateful people,” Photography and Digital Design teacher Ailysh Cooper said.
Molly Driscoll, a senior who studies ceramics at South, won a Gold Key award at the latest Scholastic Regional Art and Writing Awards for her piece titled “Breaking Waves”. Gold Key awarded works are submitted to national level competitions to be recognized, the winners earning their respective medals later in the spring season.
Amanda Smith is a sophomore, who recently submitted her piece “Between Dances” to the scholastic competition, winning another Gold Key award for South.
“From my perspective, competitions can be really intimidating and exciting at the same time, especially because it was my first time entering. But it’s a really fun experience, and getting to see my art in a showcase for the first time was amazing,” Smith said.
Zoe Medina, a sophomore at South, also won a Gold Key for her submitted drawing at the competition.
Natalie Abbott, junior, earned a painting Silver Key; Gisele Flores, senior, earned a digital painting and drawing Silver Key; and Amanda Ross, senior, earned a ceramics and glass Silver Key.
Teachers feel that the students whose work is represented in a showcase or competition gain lots of inspiration from seeing artwork from other kids their age. They become more motivated to be creative and pursue their talent.
“They get to see their work on display with other [artistic] people their age who took a chance putting their artwork on display. Typically other high schools, universities, and alternative venues host these showcases, and when students participate they can get invited into these spaces they might not otherwise have a chance to see,” Harvey said.
The following students earned Silver Keys in various categories in the Scholastic Regional Art and Writing Awards competition: Natalie Abbott, Gisele Flores, and Amanda Ross.
Honorable mentions were awarded to Sienna Jeannides for drawing, Crystal Ibarra for ceramics and glass, Alexis Mack for painting, Sofia Sanchez for ceramics and glass, and Amanda Ross for scuplture, ceramics and glass.
On February 14, the following art students placed at the St. Francis art competiton: Eliana Guitierrez 1st place for photography, Paige Lio 2nd place for drawing, Isabele Koeing earned an honorable mention for phtography, and Natalie Abbott earned an honorable mention for painting. The SPC art conference will take place on Saturday, March 14.
