Discover the stories behind Lee County’s young artists this April

Elementary school students put their creative designs on display at the Alliance for the Arts. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

For many, art class fades into memory, but for some students, it’s where identity, emotion and even a future begin to take shape.

At the Alliance for the Arts this April, Lee County students are putting their emotions and skills on display, giving the public a glimpse into the journeys of local young artists.

The 34th Annual Future of Art Show, organized by the Lee Art Education Association, showcases hundreds of student works from across Lee County, transforming the Alliance for the Arts into a monthlong display of young creativity across a variety of mediums. The exhibit is split by grade level, with elementary and middle school artwork on display from April 2–11, followed by high school pieces from April 17–25.

Two eighth-grade Lee County students, Camilla Losik and Ellie Cecil, create deep-sea designs from clay. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Selection for the exhibit is also a deliberate and competitive process. Throughout the school year, art teachers identify students who demonstrate strong effort, growth and commitment to their work. Each school is given a limited number of spots based on enrollment, typically one submission for every 100 students, resulting in roughly 300 pieces selected across the county.

But beyond the paintings, ceramics and drawings, organizers say the exhibit is about something more, giving students a platform to express themselves while giving the community a reason to show up and support them.

“It’s a really great outlet for students,” said Angel Elza, coordinator for the Lee Art Education Association. “Whether they’re going to be an artist or a scientist or a banker, they’re going to have an outlet no matter what.”

For Cape Coral High School senior Riley Scott, that reflection takes shape in a ceramic piece titled “Sweet Hostility.”

The piece, a coil-built vase that fades from deep pink to white and is lined with spikes, is both visually striking and deeply personal. Each layer was carefully rolled, stacked and smoothed by hand during class, requiring patience and consistency over time.

“I think it took about six weeks,” Scott said. “We were building it during class, so it was a lot of time spent just working on it little by little.”

However, the most meaningful part of the piece goes far beyond the time spent creating it.

Walls become masterpieces at the LAEA’S Future of Art Student Showcase -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

“I correlated this piece to myself,” she said. “A lot of people told me that before they met me, they thought I was a very intimidating person.”

The sharp spikes and fading colors offer a visual representation of how she says she is often perceived at first glance. Over time, she says that perception shifts.

“As people get to know me, I’m more of a sweet person than hostile,” she said.

Many students experience the contrast between first impressions and reality, and Scott said she has been able to express that through her art.

Even as she looks ahead to life after graduation, Scott said art will remain a part of her life, even if it isn’t her primary career path.

“I definitely want to keep doing it as a hobby,” she said.

Scott said having her work selected for the exhibit is very touching, making the time and effort she put into the piece feel worthwhile.

And for those who walk through the gallery, she hopes her work leaves a lasting impression.

“I hope they find it unique,” Scott said. “Something they’ve never seen before.”

Like the process of understanding identity as a teenager, the path to the exhibit is not always steady.

Just weeks before the show, senior Kadence Hulcomb said she had to pivot entirely, starting over on a new piece with limited time to complete it.

From Spiderman to squirrel drawings, talented students bring their designs to life at LAEA’S Future of Art Student Showcase. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

“I do have to create a new piece,” she said. “I don’t know much about it yet.”

Hulcomb said her schedule is busy, but she’s learned to navigate it, especially with art.

“I’m more stressed… but I’m kind of used to working under time crunches. I have so many things to create,” she said.

Despite the time crunch and the pressure that comes with it, being selected for the exhibit has served as evidence that her hard work has paid off.

“I feel very honored,” Hulcomb said. “It really shows that all my hard work is paying off.”

Her connection to art stretches back years, long before high school deadlines and exhibition schedules.

“I’ve been drawing and painting since I was little,” she said. “My dad taught me how to look at something and draw it.”

Now, as she prepares to graduate, Hulcomb plans to attend Ringling College of Art and Design to pursue art more seriously, with the goal of building a future around it.

Even without a finished piece yet, she already knows what she wants her work to give others.

“I want them to feel happy… or more aware about things,” she said. “It just depends, but I want them to feel something.”

For educators and organizers, the moments of pressure, growth and the pride students feel seeing their artwork displayed are why the exhibit is important for local youth.

But bringing the show together is a months-long effort that extends far beyond the classroom.

Organizers say planning begins up to six months in advance, as teachers across the county coordinate submissions, select student work and prepare pieces for display. In the final weeks leading up to the exhibit, that work intensifies, culminating in a tight turnaround to install the show.

Close-up views of students’ works from the Lee County Schools student exhibit at Alliance For The Arts. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

“We usually have about four days to hang everything and make sure it looks right,” said Julio González Batista, the gallery and artist relations manager.

That process involves more than simply placing artwork on walls. Much of the time is spent carefully arranging pieces to create a cohesive experience for viewers and deciding how each work fits within the larger story of the exhibit.

“A lot of it is the visual arranging… how the pieces are going to go up on the walls,” González Batista said.

Despite the condensed timeline, organizers say the effort is worth it.

Beyond the individual pieces, the exhibit gives students something they don’t always get in the classroom: a chance to share their work with a real audience and see how it resonates with them.

“It’s really heartwarming,” Elza said. “Seeing them bring their families and realize that their work goes beyond the classroom.”

For some students, that moment is the first time their work is viewed not just as an assignment, but as something of value and something worth displaying.

Views from the Lee County Schools student exhibit at Alliance For The Arts. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Organizers say the experience also helps students understand what it means to present their work publicly, offering a glimpse into what a future in the arts could look like.

While not implemented this year, organizers say they hope to eventually allow students to sell their artwork at the exhibit.

“It gives them an idea of what they can do with their work once it’s out in the world,” González Batista said. “That’s something you don’t usually learn in school.”

But the exhibit doesn’t just impact students; it also invites the community to play a role.

By attending, organizers say, visitors aren’t just viewing artwork. They’re supporting young artists, encouraging creativity and helping students see that their voices matter.

Neil Volz, CEO and executive director of the Alliance for the Arts, said the exhibit benefits both young artists and the community.

“Alliance likes to be a healthy partner with artists and schools,” said Volz. “These kinds of things are great for the community on all counts.”

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