The Glendale Star
22
July 22, 2021
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Deer Valley student takes 2nd in art competition BY ANNIKA TOMLIN
Glendale Star Staff Writer
Every spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition that showcases the artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Rep. Debbie Lesko of District 8 recently named her district’s top three winners. “I am so pleased to recognize these talented young artists in our community,” Lesko said. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner and thank everyone who participated in the competition. I was very impressed with the incredible artistic talent each person displayed this year.” The top three winners include: Brooke Wells of Anthem with her graphite piece, “Arizona Reflections”
whose work will be place in the U.S. Capitol for one year; Dang “Danny” Le of Glendale with his oil painting, “Oversaturated” that will be placed in Lesko’s Washington, D.C., office for one year; and Eliseo Miguel of Surprise with his Prismacolor pencil drawing, “Dreamer” which will be placed in Lesko’s Surprise District office for one year. High school students submitted entries to Lesko’s office and were judged by two members of WHAM Art Association including founder and executive director, Connie Whitlock. She has helped for three years. WHAM is a community-oriented nonprofit that brings the arts to people of all ages, abilities and economic status in West Valley cities. Le’s art teacher at Deer Valley High School told him about the competition
Outlets hosting teacher appreciation day BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF Duane Bluestein of the BluWay Talk Show will emcee “A Night of Teacher Appreciation” from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 24. The event is poised to bring awareness to educators’ needs in Arizona. The event is free and open to the public. There will be food trucks, giveaways, entertainment, a teachers runway show and raffle prizes. The evening is scheduled at Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlet Way, Chandler. The featured speakers are Dr. Vernet A. Joseph, who will discuss productive business civility. Marissa Leinart’s topic is parent-led academy. Uncorked the Band will provide the music. The title sponsor is Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, with valued
sponsors Planet Fitness, RSL Appraisal, Clamsville Productions, Phoenix Premium Outlets, Ariat, Cabi, J Crew, Watch Station, Asics, Old Navy, Volcom, Lacoste, Bella Butterfly Fashion, Lighthouse Styling and Beauty and Eminent Watches and Jewelry. The presenting organization, Keeping Teachers Teaching, is dedicated to serving educators by offering general health programs, health services, discounts from national vendors, continuing education and certifications. Throughout the shutdown, Keeping Teachers Teaching held monthly Zoom workshops to provide extra support to Valley teachers. Now that the restrictions are easing, Keeping Teachers Teaching is hosting this evening to show its appreciation for educators.
in March, which gave him ample time to create a concept for his submission. “There was a recommended subject (and it was) something to do with Arizona, like living in Arizona,” Le explained. He was struggling to find a concept until he had an epiphany one morning. “It was in the morning and the sun was really bright, so I wanted to convey a feeling of waking up and just looking at the sun,” Le said about his realistic self-portrait. “I took a photo of myself in the morning and then I went and painted it as detailed as I could. I would say it took me 20 to 25 hours (to complete).” Whitlock noted about Le’s Dang “Danny” Le’s realistic, oil painted self-portrait second place painting, “They titled “Oversaturated” won second place in the captured a mood so you could Congressional Art Competition for Arizona District 8. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Debbie Lesko’s office) get a mood of that picture... Proportionately it was done very well, painting and I’ve used acrylic before, and the shading was done well…It so it was really fun for me—the entire was a very good likeness of whomev- process.” er he was drawing.” Le has yet to comprehend his artThe incoming senior at Deer Valley work will be on display within LesHigh School began his artistic endeav- ko’s Washington, D.C., office for an ors when he was in sixth and seventh entire year. grades. “I think it’s crazy that (my art will “I watched a lot of cartoons, so I re- be there) because it’s my face and ally wanted to just copy that and that it’s just going to be in her office for a led to me doing more art like drawing year,” Le said. “I think that is so cool. people which I really like,” Le said. I think a lot of people are going to see “It’s really interesting to like capture it and I don’t know — that’s weird to the expression and the details of peo- me.” ple. Even though he’s an incoming se“I really like doing portraits. That is nior, he is not sure of his career path. the only thing I really wanted to do for “I’ve thought about it a lot and I this.” might go to college for graphic design Le had a myriad of art materials to because that’s a safe option to make choose from, but ultimately went with money, but I’m not really interested in oil paints. making art that way,” Le said. “I had just started experimenting “I really want to make paintings and with oil a few months ago before that I’m not sure how to make a living or painting, and I really enjoyed it, so a career out of that yet, so I need to I decided to use it,” Le said. “I love figure that out.”
