The annual district art show is currently being held at the Grand Theater in Old Town Lewisville with student artwork being displayed in the theater’s art gallery. Eighteen students from Lewisville were selected for their artistic capabilities to be presented in the art show.
Students from art classes had the choice to create art from charcoal, sketches or mixed media. Many of these artists based their inspiration from their own lives and emotions like senior Guadalupe Ramirez with her piece, ‘Desperation.’
“I wanted to create art others would see and interpret how they should feel about my art,” Ramirez said. “I also wanted an outlet for my emotions because without art, I would never be able to express how I feel. Although the color is one of my favorite parts of [‘Desperation’], I admire how emotional I drew the man in the artwork.”
Ramirez had numerous art pieces in the show – with each individual creation being different from the last – surpassing Ramirez’s expectations.
“I was surprised I had multiple artwork showcased at the gallery,” Ramirez said. “[Even more surprised because] a lot of people believe digital art isn’t a type of art form that should be next to traditional art in galleries.”
Through the mixed media artwork, students endure thorough judging and critique in order for their artwork to be displayed. For art teacher Jim Ferguson, this allows the community to view the talents of his students and gives him pride.
“It showcases the hard work students have done and what they’re capable of doing,” Ferguson said. “I like the opportunity for my kids to show off what they can do. I want people to realize school is more than academics and sports – there’s culture.”
Senior Nattalia Herrera received a Principal’s Choice ribbon and an Art Directors’ Award for her ‘Rusty Truck (Life Is Still)’ acrylic painting. She also received second place out of all pieces in the art show for her ‘Abuelita Josefina’ acrylic creation – the meaning behind the painting resonating deep with the artist.
“My grandma is the reason why all of my family members are here,” Herrera said. “Her perseverance in moving to the United States provided the entirety of my family an opportunity for a better life. I chose her to be the center of that painting because she holds a special place in my heart.”
From her ‘Rusty Truck (Life Is Still)’ to the ‘Abuelita Josefina’ painting, Herrera’s main motivation for painting comes from the impact that art has on her.
“I am passionate about art because it’s something I enjoy, and I don’t have to think when I do it,” Herrera said. “I chose [art] because I wanted to do a class I enjoyed my senior year. It inspires me as a person because it shows if you put enough time into something, a great outcome can occur.”
