All the students represented here are graduating seniors at Hellgate High School.  Each has shown a strong level of dedication to his or her art, and has put many hours into both school and personal art projects.  High School art is often overlooked by community members and art galleries.  Yet, young artists have a unique vision and sensibility.  The intensity and experimentation that go on during the high school years is seen mediated in positive and playful ways in the students' creative expressions.  The work also reflects that these young artists have grasped the formal concepts of art and are beginning to use various expressive and experimental techniques, going beyond what an assignment had required.  Garrett Kelly's untitled collage uses found materials and a stamping process in what becomes an engaging abstract composition.  Mariya Stengl's thick impasto layering of paint adds vitality to still life, and both Karlie Kahl and Asel Sherimkulova demonstrate an ease with paint handling in their lively and fresh interpretations of lyrics from the Beatles' Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.  Paige Hall has truly experimented with new materials in her large welded running shoe.  Let's hope all these young artists continue to run with their creativity and energy as they move ahead with their lives.  Let's also not forget to mention their teachers, who have encouraged and challenged their students to do their best work. The art teachers at Hellgate High School who have provoked such excellence from their students are Jeff Brown, Marvin Pauls and Loretta Vizzutti.  Special thanks goes to Karlie Kahl who assisted with this project.
 

- Renee Taaffe, Curator of Education