EL CENTRO — A total of 132 student-submitted visual art pieces were displayed at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse for a community walkthrough as part of the third annual Arts Festival.
Hosted by the Imperial County Office of Education on Thursday, May 15, the exhibit featured sculptures, digital art, photography, drawings and paintings celebrating a variety of styles, including folk art, pop art and realism. Subjects ranged from portraits and celebrity tributes to depictions of nature and more.
Works were included from middle and high school students from all over the Valley including Seeley School, Padilla-Pace Middle School, Barbara Worth Junior High School, Wilson Junior High School, William Moreno Junior High, Heber School, Southwest High School, Central Union High School, Brawley Union High, and Holtville High School.
The Arts Festival is an initiative by ICOE to create learning opportunities that foster students’ curiosity in and outside of the classroom.
“Every student has different passions, interests and skills. We want to make sure there’s opportunities for all students,” said Dr. Todd Finnell, ICOE superintendent of schools. “By doing county-wide events it allows students to realize there are other students throughout the county that share their interests.”
“This is an event for the students to really showcase the art talent in the Imperial Valley,” said Eileen Verdugo, ICOE student events manager. “We know that there is so much art expression in the Imperial Valley, so it’s important to foster that for students.”
Johnny Cisneros, musician and special education teacher for Meadows Unified School District, spoke about the importance of celebrating art openly in the Imperial Valley. “Art needs to continue to be promoted locally. There are tons of talented artists in the Valley that are probably afraid to put themselves out there,” said Cisneros.
The event also stressed the importance of creating art as an outlet for students. Mayra Cisneros, an interdisciplinary artist and art educator with the Imperial Unified School District shared, “Art is very beneficial for all the students. It’s a special way for everyone to express their emotions and feelings.”
This was on full display as students’ works were paired with small reflections and insights about their art. Students shared how their pieces expressed their mood, interests and curiosities.
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“I’m amazed at the talent these kids have. Their artwork is a reflection of many thoughts and emotions they’re going through,” said Dr. Finnell.
Refreshments for this event were provided by Southwest High School’s culinary arts program continuing the theme of celebrating artistic endeavors by students.
The works of art submitted into the festival were also judged for awards which were presented at the end of the evening. The award categories included Best Overall, Best Painting, Best Digital Art, Best Sculpture, Best Photography, Most Original Concept, Most Creative, Most Suitable Title, Best Black and White, Best use of Color and Best Drawing.
