HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ART IN VISUAL ARTS GALLERY

Mt. Hood’s annual regional high school art exhibit, going on for over 30 years now, is up in the Visual Arts Gallery.

We had the opportunity to meet and interview a few of the high school artists during the special reception held on April 12.

This year’s exhibit comprised of work submitted from five schools: Sam Barlow, David Douglas, Reynolds, Springwater Trail, and Centennial high schools.

(Gresham and Sandy high schools were contacted, but scheduling conflicts prevented them from participating in this year’s exhibit, said Miles Browne, coordinator for the Visual Arts Gallery.)

Many of the students showcasing their work were honored to have the chance to have display their art in a gallery. For most, this was the first time being showcased in such fashion.

Many of the students see art as a passion they will carry with them throughout their life.

One artist we talked to, Reina Castañeda, hopes to one day work on concept art with companies like Disney, DreamWorks, or Blue Sky Studios, she said. Another artist, Alondra Alvarez, holds art close to her heart, and plans to become a tattoo artist, she said.

As per tradition, awards are given out for student pieces. (See list below.)

There is a wide variety in styles on display in the Gallery. These students have a lot to offer.

If you have time, we highly recommend checking out the exhibit before it closes after May 2. The Gallery is open and free to all visitors, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday.

The final display for this academic year in the Visual Arts Gallery will be showcase MHCC’s own visual arts students, set for viewing May 14 through June 7.

– interviews for story contributed by Barry Morganti

Awards, 2018 High School Artists exhibit: (grade in school)

Best of Show: “Little Girls” by Ester Petukhova (11) of David Douglas

Composition/Use of Elements:

1st “Polyhedron” by Sophia Coleman (10) of David Douglas

2nd “Puffins” by Kole Osborne (10) Reynolds

Technical Skill:

1st “Levitation” by Lisa Dao (12) David Douglas

2nd “Blossoming in the Light of Spring” by Katelyn Chung (11) Sam Barlow

Originality:

1st “See You Again” by Alauna Weber (11) David Douglas

2nd “Faith and Faith” by Tenzin Thangzur of David Douglas

Emergence of Vision or Voice:

1st “Laughingstock” by Xaramar Floyd (11) David Douglas

2nd “Pathway to Success” by Kaw Khu (10) Reynolds

Honorable Mentions

“Puesta del Sol del Océano” by Luz Orellana (12) of Sam Barlow

“Burnt at Both Ends” by Xaramar Floyd (11) of David Douglas

“Pre-school by Ester” Petukhova (11) of David Douglas

“Cannibal’s Picnic” by Sadee McCledon and Ebba Jordas (12) of Springwater Trail

“Bearded Man” by Emma Strobel (10) Sam Barlow

“Transfixed Organ of Fire” by Alondra Alvarez (12) Sam Barlow

“The Tome of John Walter” by Evie Adrian (11) David Douglas

“Hold onto Nothing” by Alauna Weber (11) David Douglas

“Water Siren” by Luz Orellana (12) Sam Barlow