Angel Lesnikowski, Art professor and Director of Jones Art Gallery shared her thoughts on the exhibition showcased at the Gallery, which she believes “highlights how strong our art community is.”
Upon walking into the gallery, we see a variety of art mediums and an impressive range of talent. But there is an interesting revelation when looking closer at the artwork label. The art is all created by Kern County High School District students. These talented young artists had the amazing opportunity to showcase their work at Bakersfield College.
The students were handpicked by their high school’s art teachers to showcase their art for individually excelling in specific areas of art. Among these varieties of art pieces, one student’s piece from each category is selected for best of that art medium. One student, Jordyn Dutto, had her multi-media art piece at the gallery take first place in “Best of Sculpture.”
“Art has the power to educate and inform, that is the goal of my collection,” Dutto.
When asked what it means for these students to have their artwork displayed in the gallery, Dutto’s art teacher Lisa Mayo answered, “Having their artwork displayed in a gallery validates their voice, effort, and creative risk-taking. Exhibiting their work builds confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging within the larger creative community.”
Lesnikowski, emphasized just how important this exhibition is for not only the young artists, but their teachers as well. She acknowledges that these students are able to excel and develop their passion with the help and mentorship from their teachers. The students having the ability to display their artwork at BC is not just a celebration of their achievement, but an opportunity for them to demonstrate their talent.
“It is necessary to have opportunities like these in order to foster an incredible generation of future artists,” said Lesnikowski.
Kianna Garcia, Two Faces. (Nayely Gonzales)