Artist Statement: “At Last” was inspired by Amy Sharold and uses acrylic paint to render a woman soaking in the sun. I titled it “”At Last”” to illustrate the idea that the woman had been anticipating this moment for seemingly forever–as many do on their way to a beach or when they reach the end of a long car ride. Sherald frequently uses solid colors for the background of the painting and makes her subjects skin grey. By doing this the subject and their clothing pop. I attempted at Sheralds style to challenge myself with color, shadows, and perspective. Through this piece I proved to myself that I could do more than I previously thought and that I should continue to challenge myself to continue improving.

Artist Statement: I made this painting while learning about Surrealism. It is about opening a new eye or mind within yourself.

Artist Statement: I was in the 2022 Ingraham Highschool shooting when I was 15. It was my freshman year and most thought to never expect to go through something like that but, I did. I am an activist and have a goal to spread awareness of school shootings.

Artist Statement: This is an acrylic painting I made while studying surrealism. It is a self portrait, and represents the feeling of growing up and realizing the world around you is changing.

Artist Statement: My dog Bowie in oil paint on wood. This is a sequel to a painting I made of him sleeping in a similar pose when he was a little puppy. I wanted to capture the feeling of nostalgia, comfort, and love.

Artist Statement: As a kid I remember the fruit portraits on my auntie’s walls. I loved the vibrant colors and the depictions of humans wearing fruit outfits. These paintings are what inspired my surrealist self-portrait.