28 MARCH 2022 By Mallory Gleich Through February 17, student works from over 35 Valley high schools filled the halls and walls of Shemer Art Center for the annual New Horizons Student Art Exhibit. This year, 42 scholarships representing over $4,000 were awarded by community donors to the students selected for this year’s display. “We appreciate all of the instructors who, with their plates already overflowing in 2021, made time to help their students create high-quality works to enter. It is always amazing to share what these emerging artists are making and how our high school instructors guide and influence their works,” Shemer’s President, Shonna James, said. Below are some of the artists from our neighborhood schools: ARCADIA Senior Mikah Tripke-Hughes Winner of the Linton-Barnhil Award Mikah’s photography piece has two names: “Garfield” and “Modern Apocalypse.” “It was originally part of a school project, what is known as a Diptych, in which you take two different photos and combine them to make one. My part of the photo was selected by my teacher, Mr. Johanni, to be entered into the show,” Mikah said. He found inspiration from attempting to match the tones and scheme of his partner’s photo – specifically, the sandy palette of the desert and a washed-out sky. “My work being displayed at the Shemer was nothing short of astounding. Having my work not only recognized but accepted by a museum utterly blows me out of the water,” he said. “I am ecstatic to have been accepted and hope to do more shows going forward.” Mikah was surprised by the scholarship win. “I tell everyone that having your work praised by friends and family is one thing, but to have museum curators and other artists recognize your work holds exceptional merit,” he said. Senior Jenna Waren “The title of my piece is ‘Electrify my Heart,’ and the medium is micron and watercolor. Jack Stauber’s song, Buttercup, inspired me. I’ve always doubted my skills as an artist, so having my piece displayed boosted my confidence. I feel like I could have a career in art,” Jenna said. XAVIER Senior Lila Mago Winner of the Jennifer’s Choice Award Lila’s mixed media piece, called ‘If Only You Knew’ includes newspaper, acrylic paint, and transparent paper. Her original intention was to create a piece that incorporated flower doodles that she had made in the past, but she said it turned into more of a self-reflection as time went on. “I feel that it embodies the final stage one must pass before embarking on a period of self-growth. It was an honor to have my work displayed at Shemer, especially with a piece as personal as this one. This was the first time my work has been featured in a gallery, so I feel very blessed to have won a scholarship in addition to this significant achievement,” Lila said. VERITAS PREP Junior Corynn Gates “I was honored to have my art displayed alongside many inspiring artists at the New Horizons Art Exhibit,” Corynn said. The name of her piece is ‘The Red Room’ and it was created with acrylic paint. Her inspiration for the piece came from childhood, a pastime that bloomed into a full-fledged hobby. “When I started out as a young artist, I was drawn to painting faces of my friends. We had an art assignment where we had to take a picture of something that meant a lot to us and paint it. I took a picture of myself with a red background,” Corynn said. “I have always used painting as an outlet for stress and have always correlated the color red with that stress. This painting was my way of defeating stress with something I loved.” OTHER WINNERS: Penelope Pulliam Xavier Prep senior Ananda Ballestros-Cook Veritas Prep junior Supporting student artists at Shemer Art Center The New Horizons Student Art Exhibit has been part of Shemer Art Center for over 30 years. This year, 42 scholarships were given out. PHOTO CREDIT: SHONNA JAMES