why “undefined” It’s the fourth year of our teen show, and we can hardly believe how meaningful and successful our teen program has become at Center for the Arts Evergreen. Last year’s show hung not only on our gallery walls, but the entire exhibition went on tour thanks to the support of generous donors. We estimate that the artwork in last year’s show was viewed by more than 45,000 people from its inception at CAE through the end of its tour in December. This year’s exhibition, Undefined, contains artwork by more teen artists than ever before. We received more than 200 submissions from 23 different schools. The final show contains 68 two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces of original artwork from student artists representing 20 high schools, 2 middle schools, and one home school. This year we asked artists to focus on what defines them—or doesn’t. Our teens are constantly forced to fit into labels: athlete, pretty, non-binary. The list of labels goes on and on. The reality is that if we stop to ask our teens, they define themselves in a million different ways, which may change on a daily basis. And they are tired of the world asking them to define themselves. My favorite thing about our teen show is the opportunity to hear from our teens through their artwork AND through their statements. As you walk through the gallery, I encourage you to soak it in—read the artist statements, allow yourself to feel the emotion conveyed in this artwork, and then decide on something that defines you—or better yet, a definition that you’d like to break free from. 3
Undefined truly is a show by teens from start to finish. I’m forever grateful for the role I get to play in the individual artistic journeys of each artist. I’d also like to thank our show sponsors and our incredibly supportive community for giving us the chance to highlight the importance of art as a platform for understanding and expression.
Sara Miller Senior Director of Exhibitions & Outreach Center for the Arts Evergreen
Undefined is an exhibition created by the CAE Teen Council and comprised of artwork by teens from throughout Colorado. Our teens are skilled at fitting into (or breaking away from) all the labels our society has created for them. Center for the Arts Evergreen’s (CAE) teen exhibition, Undefined, will be filled with artwork that captures who today’s teens are. Whether it’s a hobby that excites them, a landscape that inspires them, or a dream that they are working toward, Undefined will serve as a platform for others to celebrate today’s teenagers through their art and inspiration.
Center for the Arts Evergreen Executive Director: Lisa Nierenberg Senior Director of Exhibitions & Outreach: Sara Miller Director of Marketing: Amanda Ingalls Education Director: Emiko Martinez Accounting Manager: Tom Maxey Gift Shop Manager & Administrative Asst: Jackie Weaver Events Coordinator: Zach Figurski Board President: Lance Paulson
4
exhibition awards Best in Show
Madison Lee, Denver School of the Arts | Passing Periods
2nd Place
Ben Miller, Conifer High School | Lady Virtue
Best 3-D
John Anderson, Evergreen High School | Bubble Up
3rd Place
Ace Kellerman, Jefferson Academy | Layered Beings
Staff Choice
Jessica Yu, Mountain Vista High School | The Art of Overthinking
Best Artist Statement Elizabeth Bean, Evergreen High School | Nothing to Heal Honorable Mention
Emilyn Fearing, Denver School of the Arts | A Youthful Atlas
Honorable Mention
Aubrey Freel, Douglas County High School | Basquiat
Honorable Mention
Michael Otegui, D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School | The True Self
Honorable Mention
Riley Rains, Evergreen High School | The Devil’s Advocate
Honorable Mention
Kelly Roach, ThunderRidge High School
And After The Dust Settles, I Hope Flowers Bloom Honorable Mention
Sophia Zedalis, D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School | Fishing
thank you to our sponsors:
5
6
john anderson, 18 evergreen high school
madelyn arnold, 17 east high school
harsha ayalur, 11
the logan school for creative learning
bubble up ceramic 10 x 6 x 6 $65 This piece attempts to break the boundaries of a traditional ceramic vase by exploring space, form, and texture. What I hoped for the vase to convey were the multitude of feelings bubbling up out of adolescence: anxieties, joys, hopes, and fears for the future. Through wheel throwing and hand building methods, “Bubble Up” reconciles the angst of teenagehood with its innate freedom, positivity and ingenuity.
my favorite tide pool: west cliff drive watercolor 10 x 7 $35 I have never lived near the coast. The ocean has always been a mystery and fascination for me; with aquariums and books providing a sneak peek at what’s hundreds of miles away. The ocean is what life on this planet relies on, and everyone needs to understand these threats and work to protect the Earth. In my future and my present I want to learn more about the ocean and how to conserve its inhabitants, as well as help educate others. This piece was my first ever field guide that I’ve created. It is a painting of the different life in a tide pool that I had visited almost every day while in Santa Cruz, CA. I hope to make more of my environment to better help educate others and bring attention to our world. I believe that making art has the ability to connect with many different people, can bring up important topics and discussions, and has the power to make change.
a treasure in two point ink on paper 12 x 9 $10,000 A Treasure in Two Point is my representation of the “Diwan-E-Khas” in the medieval city of Fatehpur Sikri in India. Emperor Akbar, the builder of the city, met his ministers in this gem of a building. When I created this, I had just come back from a trip to India and seen many forts, including Fatehpur Sikri. My teacher had encouraged me to document one of my favorite memories from the trip. Perhaps I chose this building because my family and I loved a movie about Akbar. This drawing is important to me for multiple reasons. Most importantly, I developed an interest in cross hatching with this drawing. I now use cross hatching extensively in my work. This was also my first architectural drawing, and I experimented with two-point perspective. This work taught me new techniques, evokes memories of a fun trip, and is one of my best drawings.
7
8
elizabeth bean, 18 evergreen high school
zachary beguin, 15
legend high school
green mountain high school
brook bailey, 15
my chemical romance gicleé print 10 x 7.5 $20 My Chemical Romance which this piece is inspired by, is my favorite band. Music specifically this band inspires me and is a crucial piece of who I am. The album this is based off: “Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge” is my favorite and means a lot to me. The art, the music, and the story behind all of it is highly inspiring to me and my work. I wanted to show all my love and the significance this album and band have to me by making a painting inspired by my favorite album.
nothing to heal acrylic 24 x 20 NFS Growing up LGBTQ+ has largely affected my life, and as positive as some experiences can be, there’s a plethora of challenges for LGBTQ+ youth. Amongst these are possible isolation from your family, a late start in the dating scene, and feeling “different.” One of these obstacles is often growing up in a Christian or otherwise religious family, and struggling to accept a faith that reduces you to something needing to be fixed instead of accepted. With this work I wanted to represent myself and anyone else who has experienced religious trauma or dejection from the people closest to them for being who they are. With inspiration from Jay Hulme’s Jesus at the Gay Bar, this piece was made to make a statement that to follow the bible is to accept and love all, not try and change who others are inside, even if you think it’s for their best interest.
hidden treasures photograph 16 x 20 $95 This photo is extra special to me, not only because it was taken in Costa Rica, but also because it was one of the only photos I was able to capture there and one of the last photos I took with my camera. Early in my trip, I broke my camera and was unable to take any more photos. This photo has since become one of my all-time favorite landscape shots I’ve taken, due to the memories associated with it and my camera. The photo will be featured in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest and will go on to compete nationally.
9
10
anna brenneman, 16 jefferson academy
cami brunkow, 17
jefferson academy
northfield high school
sammy berman, 17
identity mirage digital photograph 16 x 20 NFS I digitally manipulated this photograph in Photoshop to appear as if I was disappearing, representing how my non-binary identity feels like it disappears in gendered spaces like bathrooms where I frequently must choose Men’s or Women’s when I am neither. Art gives me the power to share these experiences.
amalgamation pen and ink 16 X 14.75 NFS I created this piece as a part of my AP art portfolio, with a central focus on the undesirable traits of women across society. I’ve used dragons as a means of embodying these characteristics because of their traditional role as villains in Western folklore. This piece in particular expresses the synthesis and acceptance of traits such as greed, lust, and fury; elements of femininity that women are so often expected to shun. I wanted to share this message as a way of normalizing the negative emotions that I’ve personally been expected to conceal so as not to come across as overbearing or sensitive. I used micron pens to crosshatch and form the values of my piece, then filled the background using India ink to achieve strong contrast. I used a monochromatic scheme to attain complete synthesis of the dragon and the girl, resulting in a harmonious merging of the two.
drowning in societal pressure watercolor and pen 29 x 25 NFS As teenagers, we often face the pressure of trying to be perfect and successful at everything we do, as well as dealing with constant judgment on how we present ourselves. Personally I have dealt with depression, and sometimes it can feel like you are drowning, sinking, all by yourself while society seems to laugh at you. I created Drowning in Societal Pressure to capture that feeling with watercolor and pen. While drawing this piece I used a basic ballpoint pen, that when mixed with watercolor achieves a bleeding effect that makes it feel blurry and out of focus, to show the feeling of sinking in the ocean. I also applied the symbolism of Sirens, mythological creatures that are known for luring people to their deaths with their voices, as it resonated with how we as teens can feel lured by temptations and societal pressure.
11
12
alexa chaumont, 18 jefferson academy
katie cooke, 13
cooke homeschool
east high school
isabella cervantes, 15
nuestro corazón watercolor 16 x 12 $175 On February 13th of 2023, my community at Denver East High School lost a student due to gun violence. But Luis Garcia wasn’t just a student. He was a brother, a friend, a classmate, a varsity soccer player. Now, almost one year later, I see his legacy while walking through the halls. I see teachers, friends, and community members coming together to honor him. I see the Students Demand Action Club, a group of brilliant young leaders who have come together and worked persistently towards passing a bill for the banning of assault weapons in the state of Colorado. My piece represents all of the growth and resilience that I’ve witnessed firsthand between students and teachers at my school. The heart symbolizes the hearts of everyone in my community, a heart that will always remember Luis Garcia and the legacy that lives on within us.
the lightning thief digital 23 x 17 NFS This is a piece based on Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, the first book in his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. This series has captured the hearts of many kids and teenagers and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the TV series adaptation released on Disney+. The Percy Jackson series was made to uplift neurodivergent kids, especially those with dyslexia and ADHD in a society that oftentimes doesn’t understand them and looks down on them. This piece which is a re-imagining of the original book cover references classical Greek artwork and pottery in its visual style. Featuring Grecian patterns and motifs, this piece melds the ancient mythology and modern setting in the story and references characters and monsters featured in it.
karl and maggie oil pastel 8.5 x 11 $475 In this piece, I used oil pastels to create a portrait of my dogs. I’ve been learning about blending many colors and incorporating textures in my art. When I started this piece, I outlined the dogs and then looked for the different colors and textures, especially in Karl’s fur. The Christmas tree was challenging because it had so many colors and needles to draw and perfect. This piece is important to me because the dogs are my pets. The beagle, Maggie, died in the spring last year and I wanted to make something to remember her sweetness and gentleness. The Jack Russell, Karl, is seventeen now and is still cute and lovable. As puppies, the dogs loved to stand and sleep under the tree. Whenever I talk to Karl, he always cocks his head sideways and listens to me. This piece shows the personalities of my dogs.
13
14
aidan coppin, 17 evergreen high school
leon cutlan, 17
evergreen high school
legend high school
addi cooper, 16
behind bars digital photograph 14.75 x 20 $20 Behind Bars is a photo I took when I learned about Gen Z portraiture. For this photo, I used a technique called projection. I projected black and white stripes onto a backdrop and had my model pose. I used a fish eye lens. I edited this photo in Photoshop beta. This photo is important to me because I really enjoy taking photos using fisheye lenses. I have never been the best at taking portraits, so I set a goal for myself to become better.
singled out acrylic 16 x 20 $100 I created this piece to show that people single out many other people or things for something different or unique, but in reality everyone and everything is different and could be singled out for something.
hollow body bass copper with brass wire 1.5 x 3.5 NFS I see my piece as an extension of myself, for music has brought me lots of joy and a sense of connection within. The struggles of COVID and feeling a sense of isolation, Music and Art has given me a purpose and a medium to express myself within my love of Art. This piece was inspired by someone who has greatly impacted my life through teaching me how to play bass and he has helped me learn new life skills and a love for life.
15
16
abigail deering, 17 legend high school
hannah deyoe, 17
douglas county high school
evergreen high school
mary beth davis, 14
progression of a summer day watercolor, block printing with ink, acrylic 29 x 13 $250 I created this piece to show both the literal progression of a summer hike, and the progression of the character shown. As the triptych goes on, it shows the day going from morning to evening, and shows the character progressively getting more relaxed and blending in more. This piece is meant to show how the outdoors impacts my mental state, and how it helps with feeling in place. The character is printed onto the landscape in ink to show the decreasing degrees of separation, with the last painting having the least contrast, showing that they finally feel in place and at home.
all eyes on you digital photograph 16 x 20 $40 I created this piece at a time in my photography career when I wanted to get better at my Photoshop skills. I was, in my opinion, good at photography, but I still needed some work on my Photoshop skills. I could do the basics, curves, exposure, etc., but I wasn’t able to do anything different. It’s important to me because it marks a point in my Photoshop career and has allowed me to do so many other cool things.
recasted illusions acrylic and acrylic pen 16 x 12 $250 Recasted Illusions is showing how fitting in a community as a teenager is a struggle. While growing up, there were many different groups that I had to fit into. In order to do so, I had to change my identity in a way that people would like. Doing this created scars and injuries from emotionally and physically needing to change my appearance. There were many times where it felt like I was creating masks and adding them to my collection of personalities, they would either work out or they wouldn’t work at all. It was tiring and it was painful. There were many influences behind the need for these masks, and there were a lot of times where it was just me judging myself. This piece is to demonstrate the pain of changing faces and the amount of changing that is needed as a teenager in this society.
17
18
lily eddington, 16 legend high school
katie enyeart, 16
south high school
northfield high school
ray dzur, 17
internalized homophobia mixed media 21.25 x 19.25 NFS This piece was inspired off of my personal experience with internalized homophobia which means, a person is subject to society’s negative perception and turns it into internal personal bias. I made this piece to show how I perceive myself with a reflection in a mirror of this bias with the phrase “Once a girl always a girl” which conveys my struggles with fully accepting myself as a non-binary person.
longing digital photograph 16 x 20 $40 In my black and white portrait, I aim to capture the raw and emotional essence of the human experience. The subject, which was me, adorned in a delicate yet powerful display of vulnerability, is depicted with mascara dripping down my face. This visual metaphor serves as a profound exploration of the complexities and struggles inherent in our lives. The monochromatic tones emphasize the stark contrast between light and shadow, echoing the dichotomy of joy and sorrow. The use of black and white photography strips away distractions, allowing the viewer to focus solely on the emotional narrative unfolding within the frame. The dripping mascara symbolizes the shedding of societal expectations, norms, and the facade we often wear in our daily lives. It is a poignant representation of the weight we carry, the tears we shed, and the strength required to embrace our authentic selves.
union station digital photograph 16 x 20 $60 I really wanted to get a great shot of Union Station because of the contrast in architecture and meaning to me. Growing up in Denver, I have had many memories made there with my family and friends, like participating in a flash mob dance. There is a beautiful contrast between the older buildings and the modern train station. After going through many shots and angles, I am very proud of my final photo.
19
20
oakley fellows, 16 evergreen high school
joshua ferguson, 16
legend high school
denver school of the arts
emilyn fearing, 16
a youthful atlas ink 12 x 17.5 $250 How do different teenagers celebrate their identities? An individual’s culture is represented by the historical, social, religious, and idealistic values that matter most to them. Globalization has slowly broken the borders of cultural disconnect; it is important to have the eagerness and willingness to learn of the similarities and differences of unfamiliar customs to your own. My work reflects my inquiry as I explore how place, object, and dress are all a way in which young adults across the world define themselves.
overload acrylic paint, paint markers, collage 11 x 13 $130 This piece is about teens often feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed with their lives and not knowing how to seek help from others. This topic is important to me because I have a lot of friends who have sensory issues that impact their lives and I wanted to spread some awareness about it.
peace in wyoming photograph 16 x 20 $100 I snapped this picture at Oxbow Bend in the mountains of Wyoming. Not only is this the most photographed location in the state, it’s also the location of my personal best image. I took this in the early morning before my family and I went hiking. When I see it, it reminds me of all of the things I did on that trip.
21
22
jack harris, 15 evergreen high school
avery ingalls, 13
deer creek middle school
douglas county high school
aubrey freel, 16
basquiat charcoal and chalk pastel pencils 22.25 x 16.5 $200 I made this piece using charcoal and color pastel pencils, referencing a photograph of Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as taking inspiration from his art to add the doodles around his portrait. I created this piece because Basquiat is an artist that inspires me and is important to me. I take inspiration from his art and how he speaks through it. While he was alive there were many racial issues (still are) and he utilized his art in a weird and unusual way to depict these issues that impacted him, wanting to grab peoples attention and bring awareness. I strive to do the same with my art and with current issues I am passionate about.
oceanic horizons ceramic Pot: 4.5 x 5 x 5 Plate 1: 7 x 7 Plate 2: 6 x 6 $125 In this chaotic world, I need something that grounds me. An escape. Connecting with the earth through natural materials. I felt as though some of the strongest nostalgia is my memory of the oceans. As a kid up until now I’ve always been fascinated with how nostalgia guides us. Specifically for me I see waters as being pure, where you could sail endlessly. The waters encapsulate my creation, destruction and love. I wanted so desperately to demonstrate how interconnected it is in this world. This set specifically reminds me of my aspirations and goals, and how waves are unpredictable but oceans stay the same. Each brush stroke of water is randomized, understanding how unprecedented life is, but it’s still the same beautiful body of water. Imminent on the rising horizon.
broken mountains charcoal 16 x 12 $80 The mountains are a beautiful place to be any time of the year; the aspens in the fall stand tall, a beautiful orange and red color. The mountains are a great inspiration, and just spending time on the mountains in the ski season gives me a sense of calm. But his year the mountains made my life turn upside down. I am a snowboarder so being able to go up to the mountains makes me happy. That was until the mountains had other plans for me. The mountains that usually give me so much a joy handed me pain. The mountain was icy on my first day up in the ski season, I clipped the edge of my board and slid out. I fell straight on my collarbone and in split seconds there was a snap. The Colorado mountains may have betrayed me this year. But next year, that place that is so dear to me, I won’t let it have the best of me.
23
24
neva joseph, 14 peak to peak charter school
jude kasemsan, 16
mountain vista high school
deer creek middle school
jack johnson, 13
call from parks to streets spray paint and paint pens on wooden deck 32 x 8.25 $50 This skateboard deck is a representation of my life up to this point. Each of these little pieces of my art is a piece of my development. Here’s a few of the meanings of the art. The little flying guy in the top right corner is the first art I adored as a little kid. The skate company was called Toy Machine. The heart represents my awkwardness at school. The triangle guy is the signature of my favorite artist Chris Haven. He has had a critical role in my art style. The little Buddha is my religion and it shows my inner peace and serenity. And the rest are all up to imagination.
digital realms - global dreams acrylic on paper 12 x 18 $50 In Digital Realms - Global Dreams, I aimed to encapsulate the dual realities that today’s teens navigate. The central focus on a girl trapped within the confines of a mobile phone which symbolizes the engulfing nature of social media. The drowning effect in the background signifies the potential loss of real-world connection due to these online platforms. The faceless, diverse figures at the bottom represent the collective voice of teens, who are more tolerant and inclusive than previous generations, addressing global issues through their thoughts and actions while they figure out who they are as an individual. The lush surroundings depict the beauty of the real world outside technology. I created this piece as it underscores the importance of balancing our digital lives with meaningful engagement in real-world issues.
projected progenitor digital photograph 18 x 12 $140 This image was created using an old projector and a salvaged negative slide. The image on the slide depicts an old stone bust, and using the projector, this image was projected onto the face of the subject. The projector was set up in a dark room, and the subject stood approximately 5 feet away to allow the eyes on both the face of the bust and the subject to line up. In creating this piece, I hoped to convey my passion for portrait photography. I take great joy in capturing all sorts of people, and this piece holds a special place in my heart. This is because the bust’s expression is twisted in anguish, while the subject’s is indifferent. I feel that this captures the human experience, the vast spectrum of emotions I aim to capture when I create.
25
26
elise khong, 13 denver school of the arts
sky killian, 18
douglas county high school
jefferson academy
ace kellerman, 18
layered beings illustration markers and tracing paper 15 x 12 NFS This piece uses literal layers of transparent paper to demonstrate how layered people really are, and how different we appear in different lights. Each layer brings different pieces of the portrait to show how no one aspect of a person can ever tell you the whole story, and there is always more to discover. This piece can be interactive with the use of a light box, with the ability to turn on and off the light and see how it changes your perspective of the piece.
dream hunter acrylic, gold leaf, wood (guitar) 45 x 12 $1,200 I created this piece with my dad, he worked on all the electronics and I did all the artwork. I used acrylic paint and then later applied gold leaf. This art piece is very important to me because my dad plays the guitar and an important part of my childhood was my dad practicing guitar, so I wanted to create this piece to honor that.
think with your heart, feel with your mind acrylic paint pens 14 x 12 $260 This painting was made using acrylic paint pens. I have always been a very emotional human being, and sometimes I think too emotionally. I also become almost robotic and cold when it comes to emotional situations, which is why my heart and my brain have swapped places.
27
28
théa kuczynski, 17 boulder high school
madison lee, 16
denver school of the arts
two roads charter school
alex kreidler, 16
denver art museum pencil 10 x 18 $100 During his life my grandfather was an architect, therefore he loved looking at different buildings, analyzing the different architectural styles. It just so happened that one of the buildings he disliked the most was the Denver Art Museum. My vision behind this piece was to portray the architectural beauty that this building holds and maybe convince my late grandfather that the unique design choice can show a different way of interpreting modern art.
open wide stoneware clay 4x4x5 $250 I wanted to make a piece that felt disgusting to its viewers. By making a functional yet sculptural piece, it allows viewers to imagine using it by drinking their morning coffee out of it. I love it because to me it represents the way I feel about coffee. I think it’s bitter and awful, and this piece allows me to share those feelings in a very real way with other people. This piece is my way of feeling ok with being different, and expressing those ideas without confrontation. I like to imagine it speaking my thoughts to whoever is drinking out of it, amplifying my voice and opinion (or maybe taking my place at the orthodontist’s office).
passing periods oil 48 x 20 $5,000 For Passing Periods, I wanted to delve into how modern beauty standards influence the way young girls and women present themselves. I was inspired by how the concept of women needing to change themselves for men was targeting increasingly younger audiences across social media platforms. In my piece, I explore the various ways teenagers living in the age of modern media are affected by its exclusive definition of what beauty really looks like. With my work, I hope to encourage my audience to consider how societal pressures can play a role in the increasing number of identity and self-worth issues in teenagers, and what we can do to create a healthier, more accepting definition of beauty. I aim to inspire communities to foster important discussions among their youth that address toxic cultural expectations of women and work towards creating a world that uplifts marginalized voices instead of undermining them.
29
30
madeline lloyd, 17 evergreen high school
züri lutz, 16
d’evelyn jr/sr high school
d’evelyn jr/sr high school
carolee lis, 17
jesus in cat ears and a maid dress watercolor 8.5 x 5.5 $300 It’s a comedy piece on religion that’s really doesn’t have much meaning besides the fact that I think it’s funny.
birds in a tree ceramic 6.5 x 3.5 $20 This was created through the potter’s wheel, and it is important to me because it is the first piece I have made that I was proud of or that I actually thought was beautiful. These days, teenagers are always following the stereotype that we are grumpy or sarcastic or sassy, and that we are unable to see the positives or make anything worthwhile. This piece, at least for my life, is proof that teenagers are able to take the pain and frustration from this turbulent point in our lives and make something beautiful out of it.
commute to adulthood gouache and acrylic 11 x 9 $225 This artwork was for a surrealism school assignment where we were told to paint something unexpected. I chose to do a liminal space that caused more of an unsettling feeling rather than surprise. To me, ball-pit balls rolling into an empty train car caused a sense of derealization, which made it the perfect subject. I chose to enter this painting because it symbolizes teenagers’ inner child making random appearances throughout the weird transition to becoming adults. The train represents the commute to work/adult life, the shadow tendrils represent the sadness and fear of growing up, and the ball-pit balls represent nostalgia and the inner child. I constantly feel a strange grief for the loss of my childhood mixed with a weird sense of happy wistfulness that shows up randomly throughout my day. I feel this contradiction of emotions defines today’s teenagers pretty well.
31
32
christina meier, 16 jefferson academy
ben miller, 16
conifer high school
evergreen high school
abby mauldin, 17
hanging guillotine brass, copper and paracord 3.5 x 1 NFS I created this piece as a remembrance to the lives that were lost during the French Revolution. The guillotine is a beautiful piece of machinery that ended many lives. It is a masterpiece constructed in order to offer a less painful alternative to current methods you could chose for execution. It is important to me because of my keen interest in antique machines. The styles of 18th-century inventions are stunning and I hope to build more replicas in the future.
from a better perspective oil pastel 24 x 30 NFS I created this piece after seeing a photo that my dad took of me. It helped me take a step back and view myself from his perspective, a more forgiving perspective than my own. The landscape is one I think of as one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to. My dad sees me in the way that I saw that landscape. To think that anyone could view me that way is jarring, overwhelming, and bright. I wanted to express those feelings and my gratitude to him.
lady virtue watercolor 20.25 x 16 $500 Lady Virtue explores the timeless concept of virtue, featuring the “angel” adorned with angelic wings over her eyes. While the wings appear beautiful, they also render the angel blind, playing upon the idea of blind perception and inner goodness. This pieces explores intuition, insight, and moral clarity through a biblical lens.
33
34
violet moreland, 17 golden high school
mia myca, 18
boulder high school
conifer high school
ben miller, 16
abstract vigilance gouache 13.5 x 13 $350 The Doberman is geometric at first glance broken down into facets of light and shadow. Despite this, the loyal dog stands alert and attentive. The angular companion guards its unseen owner, regardless of its broken nature.
jesters are supposed to smile oil pastel 12 x 9 NFS This is my very first oil pastel drawing. I go to Golden High School and the theme for my year in AP art is about circuses and how they treats their animals/people. This image is representing the pain of jesters and clowns always having to smile.
girly ink 15 x 20 $1,000 This drawing is about the type of intimacy that is created between close female teenage friends. The subject of this piece is two best friends in a bedroom, talking to each other while looking at magazines and their phones. This simple scene has been arranged to convey how casual and comfortable close friends are when spending time with each other. It reflects how close bonds between teenagers, especially female teenagers are created. Something as basic as talking deeply in pajamas in a girlfriend’s bedroom can create lasting friendships. This piece is important to me because it is a reflection of myself as a young woman and my friends. As teenage girls, our lives aren’t necessarily filled with complicated gossip and extravagant slumber parties. Oftentimes it’s low stakes, loose, and comfortable. It’s delicious food, funny movies, and hard feelings. It’s us being our most unfiltered selves.
35
36
claudia ortwerth, 16 legend high school
michael otegui, 16
d’evelyn jr/sr high school
denver school of the arts
lauren nesbitt, 17
the dimming flame of mind colored pencil 12 x 9 $5,000 Throughout my years of high school, I reflected on my constant struggle with burnout and depression. I questioned, “How can I depict one’s mental struggle with lighting?” The colors and values in my piece symbolize a stage in my mental health journey. To convey the common high school experience of burnout, I incorporated a candle positioned above a figure’s head. A candle can be perceived in many ways, admiring its luminous beauty or, on the other hand. In a way, it can be paralleled to the ongoing sense of exhaustion and mental deterioration. In this piece, I come to terms with my mental health, recognizing these obstacles are surmountable, as depicted by the surrounding flowers. The candle is blown out; its flame is no longer burning and the disintegration process has halted.
his point of view analog photograph 11 x 8 $100 This piece was created spur of the moment, using mirror framing, detailed decorations, and background, I felt the subject of my piece popped out more than usual due to his simplistic clothing and bare expressions. The person I photographed is also significant to me, and now that I have created a piece physically, I can always look back on the photo I took of him. For those who are looking upon him, you now know he exists. Therefore my work is already done, and my goal has been accomplished.
the true self acrylic, paint pen, spray paint 14 x 12 $315 Using acrylic and spray paint, I wanted to create a dramatic image in order to represent the idea of finding oneself and looking within. With social media and the expectations of society, it is really hard to define and understand ourselves, especially with the intense pressure to be something else that society has deemed as “perfect.” I know that throughout my life, I have always struggled with personal identity, and because of this, I wanted to show an image of someone trying to find their true self. The person is painted in black and white in order to show almost emptiness and a lack of fulfillment of who they actually are. I chose to make the reflection colorful to show the person wishing to become a better and more true version of themselves, and with that they have a connection to the universe.
37
38
carly potter, 17 conifer high school
riley rains, 17
evergreen high school
legend high school
nora phillips, 18
luminate ceramic and glass 14 x 13 x 13 NFS I created Luminate as an intricate porcelain lamp. This lamp is composed of individually wheel thrown porcelain bowls that have added pieces on each one creating the illusion of individual fireflies. These pieces combines to make one big lamp that glows from the inside with the help of a light bulb. This piece is important to me because it shows unity and beauty with its unique construction and subtle detailing. This redefines what a traditional lamp can be and makes people think outside of the norm. With this sense of undefined structure and lack of traditionalism, Luminate can give the viewer a sense of purpose in being unique and different in a world where familiarity thrives.
self-refraction photograph 11 x 18 NFS Self-Refraction is an abstracted, mixed media take on a self portrait. Combined elements of photography, collage, and needle point embroidery tie together the parts of myself beyond what the eye can see. Motifs of change and growth highlight the defining themes of this point in my life.
the devil’s advocate ceramic 8x4x4 $40 I created this piece to represent the complicated relationship between beauty and evil. The piece is sharp and dangerous to touch, but its surface-level beauty draws you in: similar to the fallen angel. I enjoy combining human-like stories and qualities into clay art, and this specific biblical reference displays the manipulating characteristics that alluring things might have.
39
40
mason risch, 17 conifer high school
kelly roach, 18
thunderridge high school
evergreen high school
bethany reimers, 17
my emotions oil pastels, acrylic paint on canvas 48 x 36 $1,000 This piece is about my emotions. Every day I added a face depending on my mood
spectre silver 2.5 x .75 $40 This piece was based off of an old drawing I found that I had done during quarantine of a ghost. When I saw the drawing I realized it would be fun to make 3D. I had tweaked my drawing a little bit and then I cut it out and used flame to reticulate the silver to give it a more liquid appearance, like a ghost would have. This piece was more of a sculptural thing rather than a functioning piece of jewelry like mostly everything else I have made and I think that’s why I like it so much. This piece was a kind of an introduction to more sculptural things, and I am excited to see what else I can make.
and after the dust settles, i hope flowers bloom acrylic and oil pastel on canvas 30 x 24 $650 I have always looked up to my future self: the one who knows who she is. My biggest dream is to become her. In the time spent scrambling for flickers of my true self in friend groups and activities, clawing through various of my personality, and pulling myself out of the destruction left in the wake of my pursuit, I think I have stretched myself thin enough to uncover the most fundamental, and in turn, most honest part of myself from the rubble. I have begun to build my dream. And while I still think I am working towards that, I am proud of myself for fighting for her and planting the seeds of my future. At the end of this all, I know I’ll be proud of who I’ve become and how I’ll truly bloom.
41
42
brody rosch, 18 evergreen high school
campbell rosen, 16
northfield high school
legend high school
jay rocco, 17
the little boy in my compact mirror photograph 16 x 20 $20 I created this piece with the intention of showing how a person changes as they grow up. However, no matter how much you change physically, there’s always a little reflection of the kid you used to be. This piece is important to me because I feel like my childhood is escaping me as I get closer to graduating and I don’t want to forget the child I used to be.
be quiet and listen colored pencil 9 x 12 $10,000 This character is a character I created around two years ago that I draw frequently. This scene represents my interpretation of overthinking and not feeling like I’m in control of my own head.
sunlight among petals digital media 20 x 16 $150 Sunlight Among Petals explores the effects of identity on the perception of color. The audience is encouraged to personally connect to the different tonalities explored within the monochromatic color palette and reflect on the welcoming mood of the artwork. This artwork is important to me as it represents the positive elements coordinated with growing up.
43
44
jasmin taets, 18 legend high school
annabelle tapp, 15
lakewood high school
legend high school
addie solomon, 18
labels that define us photograph 16 x 20 $35 My work explores the idea of women fighting the constant battle of labels being placed on us. Whether it is in regard to climbing the corporate ladder, meeting impossible to achieve beauty standards, or perfecting the path of motherhood, critics are constantly waiting to pick apart our every move. Through my self portrait I incorporate harsh lighting to present the ideas of the constant criticism we as women face.
burning digital photograph 20 x 16 $50 I created this piece because I’m really interested with trying to think outside the box. So I collected a bunch of flowers and soaked them in rubbing alcohol then set them ablaze. It was fun capturing the flowers on fire.
misguided watercolor and acrylic 6x4 $100 Misguided captures the vibe of today’s teen with eyes of despair. Caught in tears, bloodshot eyes represent a world of deep emotional struggle while being accused of having no empathy. It’s a required quest to identify. The artwork, inspired by a photograph, aims to hit you in the feels, provoking strong emotions while we position ourselves into this unpredictable roller coaster ride they call life.
45
46
elizabeth vail, 16 mountain vista high school
lucy wanner, 16
boulder high school
asher
special acrylic and watercolor 11 x 10 $30 This piece depicts a girl curled up crying beside her open phone. I want the viewer to interpret this piece however feels most impactful to them. That may mean they think the girl is crying because of something she saw online or because of a breakup she just went through. This piece is important to me because, in today’s society, technology is everywhere. With that comes things such as social media and its influence, which can spark a plethora of things from body dysmorphia to addiction. Many teens, including myself, struggle with these and many more problems caused by things such as social media. I wanted this piece to represent how that may feel sometimes.
unicorn off wadsworth digital media 19 x 15 $470 Driving my usual route past Chatfield Reservoir, a roadkill buck lying on the shoulder of the road caught my eye. Ribs crumpled in and splayed open, perched on and picked apart by a tiding of glossy magpies - there was something so striking about the morbidity of it all. Unable to shake the image, I decided to depict the buck as a bright white unicorn to contrast the array of colors in the magpie’s feathers and give it the air of fantasy it held in person.
glimpse charcoal 17 x 11 $175 Often as an artist, I get too caught up in the details of each piece and forget to step back and look at the big picture. Glimpse was my chance to take that step back. I used nothing but a single compressed charcoal stick and my hands to portray how I feel we, as people, view each other; hazy and pulled apart to see only what we want.
47
48
katherine wright, 17 douglas county high school
bohdan yalynnyi, 16
evergreen high school
douglas county high school
emma wright, 17
breaking free from my shell charcoal, chalk pastel, acrylic 49 x 22 $500 This piece displays me as a statue, trying to break free from the mold I put myself in. As eggshells crack before revealing the wanted yolk, I am trying to crack open and reveal a beautiful, wanted version of me. The rest of the eggs have already cracked open, representing all of my peers who appear to be better off than me, while I’m still just a solid shell. Everyone can display their vibrant colors, while I am stuck in the past with grays and blacks. Little by little, cracks appear in my egg, and soon I’ll be able to display beautiful oranges and yellows.
observing gouache and colored pencil 12 x 10 $500 A universal experience for teenagers of all ages is that of the strive and need for acceptance. With that desire comes a sense of community and fulfillment. While the koi fish swirling around the subject represent connection and warmth, they thrive in an environment foreign to them. Meanwhile the girl within an environment also not her own looks on, not struggling, but observing. Fear holds us back as we are blinded by our own insecurity, but eventually you find everybody feels the same sense of longing. Nobody is alone looking out from their fishbowl, there is connection through the growing pains of teenage years.
the mural club acrylic paint, magazines, paint markers 16 x 20 $250 I had an idea to make a painting which reflects the creativity of our mural club by combining a bunch of different mediums and art styles. I then went out and asked each person what they would want their head to be and in what art style to make it. The painting is based off of the real life picture we all took together.
49
50
jessica yu, 17 mountain vista high school
sophia zetalis d’evelyn jr/sr high school
the art of overthinking pencil 30 x 22 $1,500 My artwork is founded on the beautiful complexity I find in the simplicity that surrounds us. This piece aims to capture the art of overthinking and the imagination that comes with it. My primary source of innovation comes from the desire to create without limitation because it allows me to create a contrast to a typical viewer’s reality. In this piece, I experimented with light and dark features by layering and combining 3-dimensional illustrations with multiple-tone qualities. Through the repetition of tiny intricate details, I aim to create a captivating experience that encourages individual interpretation. I hope to invoke a boundless realm of imagination and subjective understanding that appreciates the intricacies that exist in simple and seemingly ordinary things.
fishing acrylic 55 x 27 NFS “The universe exists only through a constant dance of consistency and change. Through consistency, consciousness finds meaning; through change it finds stimulation and expansion. To find consistency within change is to embrace the unfolding flow.” --Anodea Judith My inspiration was inspiration itself. I wanted to explore and visualize the process of finding it. The dancing figure represents an escape from the complexities of life, embracing the beauty and joy found in art and creativity. She embodies the idea of finding solace and meaning through imaginative expression.
51
P.O. Box 2737 | Evergreen, CO 80437 | evergreenarts.org | 303.674.0056