Mayfield artists put themselves ‘out there’ to strong reviews

With support from their teachers, Mayfield artists have taken bold steps to put their art, music, writing and performances “out there” before critics, adjudicators and the public, both locally and nationally.

For fledgling artists, pressing the submit button, standing before an audience to perform or displaying a painting can provoke feelings of vulnerability. Yet our girls felt compelled to share their gifts—and the results were worthy of a standing ovation.

“For student artists and writers, being accepted and recognized by a larger community as well as professional artists is very affirming,” said Kimberly Gomez, Conservatory for the Arts Director and creative writing instructor. “It helps their development so much to be recognized outside the gates of Mayfield.”

Cornelia Connelly envisioned schools where art is an essential component of learning. Our Mayfield artists are fulfilling her goal.

The Mayfield Women’s Ensemble, with many new members and first-time choir singers, travelled to Chicago for a national festival and competition, earning “A” level scores and commendations for their performance. The invitational event brought together top choirs throughout the country.

Nine creative writers and photographers were honored for their essays, poetry and visual arts work in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Members of the Instrumental Conservatory earned praise and a gold level plaque at the Forum Music Festival in San Diego attended by ensembles throughout the state.

The spring musical “Into the Woods” was a sold-out cross-conservatory collaboration.

Our all-conservatory musical, “Into the Woods,” sold out its two weekend shows and delighted audiences. Members of the theatre, dance, vocal, photography, creative writing, instrumental and technical theatre conservatories showed us how collaborations translate to excellence!

Creative Writer Grace Fontes ’21 won third place in the Cabrini Literary Guild essay contest, which honors critical thinking, scholarship and spirituality among Catholic high school students. Grace’s essay on the impact of climate change was inspired by her World History class.

Photographer Alexia Saigh ’20 won first place in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition sponsored by Congresswoman Judy Chu. Alexia’s photograph, Marred, shows a tattoo imprinted on her elderly great-aunt’s arm by the Jordanian government, marking her as a Christian in a predominantly Muslim country. Alexia’s work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.