High School Visual Arts Competition: All About Teens
Sadie Straus submitted “Classmates” in the 2024 High School Visual Arts Competition. She created this piece by using Citra Solv, a non-toxic biodegradable cleaner, to transfer portraits she took of her classmates onto a single sheet of paper. Students like Straus come up with innovative techniques like this in every show. This year’s competition holds over 250 student artworks on display in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library.
If you’ve ever wondered what teens are all about, now’s the time to find out.
The Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) is hosting artwork from high school students living in or attending school in Orinda, Lafayette or Moraga, including all schools in the Acalanes Union High School District.
Families, friends and teen supporters are invited to view the exhibit from March 3 – April 4 in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library.
A reception in the Gallery begins at 7 p.m. on March 20. The juried award ceremony is 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., held in the Library Auditorium where winners from over 250 entries will be announced.
“The High School Visual Arts Competition (VAC) provides local students with an incredible opportunity to showcase their creative talents and gain meaningful portfolio experience,” said VAC Chair Olga Larner. “Our program is made possible by the generous support of Bentley School in Lafayette and the Lamorinda Arts Alliance’s sponsorship of the Digital Art Category.”
Over the past 22 years, VAC evolved into an important tradition for students, educators, families and the entire community. Eleven high schools in and around Lamorinda including schools in the Acalanes Union High School District participate in the exhibit: Acalanes, Acalanes Center for Independent Study, Athenian, Bentley, Campolindo, College Prep, Head Royce, Holden, Las Lomas, Miramonte and Tilden Prep.
The competition features cash prizes, merit certificates and an online public exhibit on the LAC website, LamorindaArts.org/online-galleries/. The four categories in this juried show include two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art, photography and digital art. Industry professionals in each medium judge the art.
“While sports, music and drama programs often receive considerable attention and celebration, visual arts are sometimes overlooked, and this event is an important platform for these young artists,” said Ali Kozoll, LAC volunteer.
The Gallery is located at 26 Orinda Way, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sundays. Call 925.254.2184 for more Library information or visit ccclib.org/. Questions about the exhibit contact gallery@LamorindaArts.org, call 925.359.4490 or visit https://LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2.
The Art Gallery at Wilder is under construction and will soon return as the Virtual Art Gallery at Wilder.
Take a look at what teenagers in 11 local high schools have been busy painting, drawing, firing, photographing, metal working and digitizing when you view local students’ artwork at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, March 20 to April 3.
