28 MARCH 2026 By Rachael Bouley In January, the Shemer Art Center turned into a nexus of creative works when it debuted the annual New Horizons Art Exhibit, showcasing student artists from high schools around the Valley, including Arcadia High, Xavier, and Brophy. Later that same month, 69 students received 117 scholarship awards from the event, totaling $6,700 – thanks to Shemer and its generous donors. Participating students said it was incredibly rewarding to see their art displayed at the gallery as part of this long-standing tradition. AHS senior Kathryn Church submitted her art sculpture Scyphozoa (the scientific name for the common jellyfish) Sky. She used clay, wire, and recycled beads, reflecting her commitment to repurposing materials wherever possible. “My goal was to create something just as playful as my granddad’s house in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, which is where I plan on displaying it,” Kathryn said. “I love to create art that focuses on the layers and imperfections of nature. With this piece, I took further inspiration from the design of jellyfish and the ocean floor, with its textured coral.” Kathryn, who has always been passionate about art but struggled to work on it outside of the classroom, said she was grateful for the opportunity to display her creation and receive positive feedback. “The opportunity to have my art surrounded by the work of so many talented student artists was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “To see my efforts within the classroom receive such praise has shown me just how important continuing my journey is, and although I’m not quite sure what that journey looks like, I’m excited to get started.” Kathryn credits her teachers for offering a creative outlet, and hopes to further her art career at Fordham University. Fellow Titan Jessica Collins submitted a piece called Static Boom, made with gouache (a water-medium paint) and inspired by one of her favorite bands, Radiohead. “Their music hits me in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s like the sound waves actually move through my body. It’s this weird mix of comfort, sadness, connection, and something I can’t put into words,” Jessica said. “As I listen, the lines and shapes just started forming in my head, and I drew what the music made me see/feel.” She ended up hiding the faces of all five band members in the swirls around the girl, almost like they’re part of the energy surrounding her. This was Jessica’s first time in the New Horizons Art Exhibit, an opportunity that she said meant a lot to her. “People appreciated and understood the feeling I wanted to convey in my work, and it has given me more confidence to keep creating,” she said. “I’m not really sure yet what I want to do with my life, but when it comes to art, I want to keep creating, keep getting better, and make more complex pieces that challenge me and help me grow.” Xavier senior Ella Wadsworth used copper and silver to create her piece, titled Contrast Spoon. She was inspired to make something she could utilize, and came across a picture of a knife with contrast between the handle and blade. “I decided to use that as inspiration for my spoon while also incorporating elements of metal contortion,” Ella said. “I was honored to have been chosen to display my work at this gallery, as I have never been a very artistic person, so it was an exciting experience for me.” The warm welcome at the exhibition has reinforced her creativity and generated new ideas for upcoming projects. “My future artistic goals would be to continue learning about different methods of metal contortion in jewelry and other wearable items,” Ella added. Brophy junior Keegan Lawson submitted an oil painting on canvas titled “Did you know that I still look, despite the distance?” Oil paint has become his preferred medium, and he used the piece as an opportunity to experiment with glazing techniques to achieve a specific visual effect. The work was inspired by his relationship with his older brother and explores the sense of distance and inconsistency he feels in their connection. To represent this visually, he referenced a photograph from a childhood family trip. “The exhibition was wonderful! I enjoyed being able to connect and obsess over art with other artists my age,” Keegan said. “Seeing the incredible talent of other students and being able to talk with them about their favorite artists and inspirations was very fun. I am grateful for the opportunity to get my art out there and make connections to people in the fine art sphere.” Senior Nate Raczkowski submitted a photograph titled “The First Spark,” created using light painting photography. His intention was to produce something visually beautiful without assigning it a specific deeper meaning, instead encouraging viewers to create their own interpretations and stories. “My experience was eye opening. I never knew how many amazing artists I walk past every single day,” Nate said. “This opportunity meant a lot to me because it was my first experience in an art show and I believe it set the bar high for future shows.” shemerartcenter.org Annual art exhibit lets student creativity shine (left) Ella Wadsworth created a copper and silver sculpture called Contrast Spoon. (middle) Jessica Collins submitted “Static Boom,” made with gouache (a water- medium paint). (right) Kathryn Church created a sculpture using clay, wire, and recycled beads. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHONNA JAMES REAL ESTATE REAL COMMITMENT relentlessly lo cal™ real estate experts • Combined Real Estate Experience of 40+ Years • Concierge Style Service • Bespoke Marketing Program • Arizona Natives DALLAS PEAGLER, REALTOR® 602.821.9494 | Dallas@TheBrokery.com BREENA WESTFALL, REALTOR® 480.266.8313 | Breena@TheBrokery.com

Lstn Impressons Looking to change your view? We can help! By Mark Jacobson Lasting Impressions Owner A t Lasting Impressions, we realize that homeowners have a choice when it comes to window and door companies. They may ask themselves why they would choose Lasting Impressions for their project? The answer is more than 90% of our business comes from repeat or referral business. We take great pride in taking care of our customers and treating them like family. As a family-owned company for over 25 years in business, with an outstanding reputation, homeowners can trust that Lasting Impressions will deliver superior customer service they should expect. Stop by our interactive showroom for the latest trends in windows, doors and hardware. We have established a window company with a difference, o ff erence, o ff ffering high-quality products ff ering high-quality products ff with professional, in-house installation at a competitive price. We are a full-service shop offering the following brands: ff ering the following brands: ff Andersen, Milgard, Weather Shield, Velux, Titan security doors, Schlage, Kwikset and Emtek hardware. SERVICES WE PROVIDE • Replacement windows • New construction windows • Multi-side, stacking, pocket and bi-folding doors • Entry, French and patio doors • Barn Doors and hardware • Interior doors and trim • Velux skylights and sun tunnels • Security doors and retractable screens Mon-Thurs 8:30AM-5PM | Fri 8:30AM-4PM | Sat 9:00AM-2PM 4454 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.508.0800 | liwindow.com Be Cool With New Windows & Doors!! Over 20+ years’ experience Free Estimate Save on energy costs BUY LOCAL AND SAVE UP TO $1500 New Construction or Replacement windows and doors Stop by and see what’s trending now. Showroom at 4454 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. (Lasting Impressions/Submitted)