The library will become a gallery on April 1 as the school hosts its fifth Spring Showcase that features a collaboration of talent.
The Featured Artist: Sofia Cantu
While the event features many creators, senior Sofia Cantu is a name that can’t be missed. Sofia’s art story started at home, inspired by her grandparents and with her mother’s encouragement. For her, art isn’t just a class; it’s a safe place.
“It’s always been my number one,” Cantu said. “It calms me down and just cancels out all the noise.”
Currently, Cantu favors oil paints, and her “must-see” work is a piece featuring her sister and her sister’s dog.
From Beginners to Pro
The showcase highlights the full journey of an artist, featuring work from Art 1 through Art 4. The entire collection “follows a theme of inspiration, growth, and perseverance,” art teacher Douglas Howard said. “This is not necessarily a competition, but more of an exhibition showcase,” designed to show the vibe of how an artist improves over time. Because multiple teachers hand-pick the work (Howard alone selected at least 40 students), there is a wide variety. People should expect: Traditional & Modern Media: alcohol markers, charcoal, soft pastels, printmaking, Intricate clay sculptures, and photography.
While the night is a showcase, there will be plenty of award-winning talent on display. This includes “notable pieces” that have earned Gold and Silver Keys from the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
The show also features winners from VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event). The program is strong this year, boasting 63 medals at the Regional level. Keep a lookout for the six talented students whose work was selected to move on to the State competition.
