Youthful art is inspirational

By JILL AHO

Art. Expression. Simplicity. Complexity. The value of art is the conveyance of many messages all at once. The current collection in the Visual Arts Gallery exemplifies a diverse talent in style, elements and textures from area’s high school students.

The display ranges from oils on canvas to pottery to curious items that resemble papier-mache ­­— a style often reserved for piñatas. Here though, the curious paper structures form sushi and an oversized soymilk container.

Some of the most impressive talents are titled “self-portrait.” These are seemingly simple pencil drawings such as the one by Lauren Thomas of St. Mary’s Academy, and others are more complex, like the ethereal feel of Casey Hatfield’s from Centennial High School.

The diverse display includes stained glass, a group graffiti project and a mosaic by Kailee Mendoza of Parkrose High School titled “Flowers in a Tall Vase.”

The most striking pieces on display meld materials into one talkative piece – art that says more because the medium is elongated, expanded by unconventional materials.

Rachelle Acre’s (Gresham High School) “Still Standing” is a perfect example. Thick oil paints on a very flat canvas give texture while the painted wooden ledges add depth. A gnarled black metal balcony jumps off the piece into a 3-dimensional existence, giving the painting a surreal reality. One might consider how to climb into the painting if only they could figure out how to stand on that ledge, how to crawl across the precipice between what is real and what is art.

Another painting whose perspective and affect are altered by the thrust of a 3-dimensional addition is that of Marcos Olivares of Gresham High School. Titled “Bathroom,” the handle on the door protrudes from that world into this and a wicker hamper to which one could almost add a dirty sock occupies one edge. A towel dangling from the ring begs for wet hands to dry.

Unique pieces of pottery also dot the landscape of the gallery. Katherin Deegan of Sam Barlow High School gives viewers “Spire Night,” whose peaks are like wicked flames rising from some central force. The shades of glaze are somber but quirky, and the onlooker may get a feel of rising with the spires and being engulfed by a night sky.

Familiar items are also a theme. Recreated larger than life, a Mountain Dew can (also the name of the piece) created in clay by Amber Demeter of Sam Barlow High School, sits glossy and regal. An elongated clay Minute Maid bottle by Elizabeth Seine of Sam Barlow High School is simply titled “Cranberry Juice.”

The display exhibits so many mediums and young creativity, spending a few minutes with the treasures can easily turn into an hour. Visit the youthful creativity for inspiration or just fun, but do it before it is too late. The pieces will be on display until Feb. 27.

The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.