Santa Fe High students showcase talents and artistry
WHITTIER – Hundreds of Santa Fe High School students on April 21 showcased artistic creations, drawings and sculptures, modeled fashionable works of art on a lit runway and put their individualism on display during the Visual and Performing Arts Department’s 13th annual Art and Fashion Show.
The Santa Fe High gym teemed with artistic displays encompassing the event's theme, “American Volcano,” which celebrated diversity and cultural pluralism of the arts, ethnicity, gender, politics and contemporary society.
The event inspired students' imaginations to erupt in a creative flow of paintings, dress designs, dance performances and much more during the day’s three shows, including an evening extravaganza open to the community.
“I feel like this gives students the freedom of expression that they can't get out of other subjects,” said senior Alyssa Hernandez, who has participated in the event all four years. “I love it so much and I love coming to class.”
The event featured works of art from students in Santa Fe’s 15 art classes who have worked since the beginning of the school year to prepare for the end-of-year project. All school students were invited to participate in the event, which was held in the gymnasium.
“I'm so proud of all of the students who participated and allowed themselves to be vulnerable while exploring their individualism,” said Jessica Guiragossian, VAPA department leader. “It's really magical. This is their time to shine and be themselves and they've worked incredibly hard to make this show happen.”
The event also featured projects funded through a Santa Fe Springs Heritage Arts Education grant, which is awarded to schools to continue student learning through the arts. Proceeds from the event's ticket sales will go to the school art club and art students.
“The Art and Fashion Show has grown to be a unifying school community event that allows our students to explore their feelings and come out of their shells in a way they never have before,” Santa Fe High School Principal Kevin Jamero said. “It's a great creative outlet and it's inspiring to see their projects develop over the year and see the final product.”
Hernandez, who helped set up props on stage, created a sculpture made of clear packing tape called “Restraint,” symbolizing feelings of anxiety among students.
“Art has been an outlet for my creativity and is a safe haven for me,” said Hernandez, who plans to attend Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. “My project this year brought me out of my comfort zone, but it has really helped me overcome a lot.”
