This blog post is by Charlie T., Tween/Teen Librarian.
We recently hosted an artist reception at Joel D. Valdez Main Library to honor the participants of the 31st Annual High School Art Invitational. At the packed and energetic event, families and friends of the students converged upon the first floor of the library to take in the wonderful works that adorned our walls and display cases. Many happy photos were taken of students in front of their art, and many happy parents took in the creations of their kids, as well as reveled in the creativity and talent of the other participants who were a part of that dynamic showcase.
At the event we had 89 students who participated. Those artists came from the classrooms of 21 teachers from 14 schools all over the Tucson Metro area with creations submitted in 5 categories of art (Photography, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed and Other Media). The winning artists (see photo gallery below and hover over image to see title and artist name) received a set of 121 color acrylic markers.
Eternal Perseverance by AlanaEternal Perseverance by Alana
Where Dead Still Breathe Color by FridaWhere Dead Still Breathe Color by Frida
Stiching The Minds Eye by AminaStiching The Minds Eye by Amina
Codependency by CarolineCodependency by Caroline
Mike by HenryMike by Henry
Califia by AriannaCalifia by Arianna
It was a pleasure to meet some of the artists during the reception. Some of them shared stories about what went into creating their pieces. Artist Frida Gomez Torres told us that it took her 3 months to adhere all of the rhinestones to her sculpture titled “Where Dead Still Breathe Color”. Artist Amina Anderson told us that when painting the piece “Stitching the Minds Eye” that the stitching of the thread through the canvas was her favorite part, and she shared how proud she was of the piece. Artist Alana Montoya said that when making the piece “Eternal Perseverance” that she incorporated ash into the pigmentations to give the image a more cohesive feel that fully represented the intent of her creation. Those were just a few of the stories that the artists shared with us.
Patrons and staff at the library thoroughly enjoyed the student art on display. One thing that we have heard constantly since the show was hung up earlier this month is how talented these students are and that the maturity and skill levels of the students feel way more advanced than their age suggests. That kind of artistic maturity and achieved skill levels can only be achieved through a combination of supportive family networks, a nurturing classroom, and a supportive community.
