Adrienne Kishi

(b. 1992)
Shadow Mountain High School

Peace, 2009
stoneware, paper, wire, and wood

Peace comes from real people with real hearts and hands. It is a mindset, founded in love, which lends itself to benevolent action; its grace flows from us – we of real hearts and hands – and becomes something collectively greater than ourselves. Peace is intangible, but not imaginary; it is impalpable, but all the more lovely. War and hatred: these things must be replaced with love, for love breeds peace. I ask you to remember the beauty of peace and the incredible perseverance of humanity which must, ultimately, work towards it.

Alyssa Paul

(b. 1990)
Coronado High School

Subtly Obvious, 2009
gelatin silver prints

Electronics are held right out in the open, but an epidemic goes by unnoticed. Young people barely know how to communicate with one another due to the tiny little screens that mesmerize so easily.

Parents need to believe in their children’s innocence. What is hidden need not be seen. Parties and alcohol flow best without witnesses. Teenagers are chameleon masterminds; anything can be hidden as long as their elders don’t want to see.

Amanda Pixley

(b. 1992)
Coronado High School

Jillian and Bailey, 2009
gelatin silver prints

She barks; he growls.
They find their relationship through
unspoken understanding of the other.
Out of their innocence comes trust.
Out of their trust comes love.
The child moves on.
Her best friend remains.
She grows up,

All in a blink of an eye.

Ariel Sebring

(b. 1991)
Shadow Mountain High School

Not as it seems, 2009
ceramic

They see you and stare. They look and wave to be polite. You have never spoken to them before and you have never seen them before. Their eyes tell it all; what they think of you and what you are like.

They pass you and you do not look back. They think they know you even though they have never seen you before. What if they could look inside and see you for who you really are?

Delora Fuglem

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School

Two Become One, 2009
metal and fiber mixed media

The book of Genesis says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Our human form once came from dust, one man and one woman. Life was filled with simple ideas. As humans evolve, so does the earth. Now we are overcome by new technology and industry. My sculpture compares simpler times to our current world. The yarn represents the relative simplicity of the past, while the metal represents complex new technology. Over time the two become one.

Dorina Dimas

(b.1991)
Central High School

Passing Through Memories, 2009
gelatin silver prints

In his long life, he has seen so many things change. Memories of how things used to be seem more real than what is now there. As buildings crumble, they allow the past to consume them. A young girl sees possibilities of a bright future beyond the decay of years past.

Edeanna Endischee

(b.1991)
Central High School   

Power of Water, 2009   
gelatin silver prints (toned)

It is interesting how cultures can view something as basic as water in very different ways. Water holds particular importance to my family, who live on the Navajo Reservation. We have to travel sometimes more than a mile to get our water. We live without the convenience of running water. The pure, untamed power of water carves canyons in our landscape, yet is a mere decoration for others.

Enrique Chavez

(b.1990)
McClintock High School

Untitled, 2009
oil on canvas

I feel strongly about the devastating destruction of our natural resources due to urban sprawl. As towns and cities grow we require more space. Has our selfishness done irreparable damage to our surroundings? The vines represent highways, and the chain link fence becomes plots of land for new homes, as old homes never seem good enough.

Erick Beltran

(b. 1990)
Coronado High School

Energy, 2009
gelatin silver prints

Science and Art become one in the hands of Mankind.
Focused or scattered the energy exists.
To create or destroy is Man’s choice.

Francisca Morales

(b.1991)
Central High School   

A Ray of Hope, 2009
gelatin silver prints (hand colored)

Here in America, children are given limitless opportunities to be educated so that they can enjoy futures with high standards of living. Yet many young people do not take advantage of this. In other places, children are deprived an education and the freedoms we take for granted. What would it be like, to live in a society that refuses these basic values to its children?

These children have to work all day to survive. They have nothing left but hope, yet even this small “ray of hope” is sometimes taken away.

Gellie Encarnacion

(b. 1992)
McClintock High School

Existing?, 2009
oil on canvas

“The most identifying trait of humanity is our ability to be inhumane to one another.”
-Dean Koontz

How is it that in a world full of destruction and violence, we humans are still able to express love and compassion for one another? This painting juxtaposes the better side and unbearable face of humanity. We as people express hatred and anger through harsh judgment, words and actions. All this seems very destructive, but counter to this vulgarity we are still able to portray the beautiful emotions that define us as human.

Heather Davis

(b. 1991)
Shadow Mountain High School

Stereotypical Love, 2009
Ceramic, steel, and found objects

Love is not all it appears to be. A relationship is often viewed to consist of a man who is as stable as a rock, and a woman who is unable to plant her feet. Overall, the man is still slightly wounded but hidden by society’s stereotype. The woman puts herself out too far and ends up being broken in to two.

Heather Daylor

(b. 1991)
Coronado High School

Shadow Angel, 2009
gelatin silver prints

Dream a liquid seeping in behind your eyes,
Spreading a serum of twisting lies.
The unknown and the unseen trick and tease,
Curiosity invites this fear in with ease.
Surfacing a lucid sight of the shadow angel,
Reiterating each past “what if” like a driving nail.
A paralyzing dread not present in the light,
Leaves a stain on the heart, an everlasting fight.
The break of dawn presents a clean slate,
Until twilight approaches drawing closed its gate.

Jacob Parks

(b.1993)
Central High School
 
Window of Time, 2009
gelatin silver prints

She watches as the world passes by in front of her window.

Time stands still. She stands motionless, watching others live. Yet somehow her life is on hold.

The decomposing building was new once.

The young girl looks to the distance, where her future lies.

Jason Davidson

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School

Tree of Life, 2009
ceramic

Throughout our lives, we all experience happiness, frustration and depression. When we are young, we develop these feelings and become more aware of our surroundings.  As teenagers, we realize that soon it will be time to become adults. So many unexpected things happen during this time that can trigger extreme reactions. We tend to let our emotions run wild and consume us in whatever we do or who we are. Yet, cognitively we know that it is important to express our feelings in a positive manner so that we can keep growing and becoming more mature. Just like an old tree, our lives keep growing and branching out until we reach our peak.

Jennifer Bain

(b. 1992)
Coronado High School

Paradise Lost, 2009
gelatin silver print

Let me show you my side
I live in a world no one cares to see
I do not live on bubble gum and butterflies
I am not a child, I am an adult
I live in a place of wrath and tears
A nightmare that never ends
Don’t tell me I’m wrong
I am not a child
I’m not a child!
I’M! NOT! A! CHILD!
I’m just a girl...someone…please
See me

Jessica Itami

(b. 1991)
Desert Mountain High School   

If Freedom Was Breakfast Food, 2009
mixed media on wood            

Artists create from the souls of their beings, whether in the pages of a book or on the surface of a canvas.  Whichever way the product is delivered to the viewer, both artists and poets strive to achieve the same goal of expression.  They stand side by side not only allowing their differences to be seen but also showing the similarities of passion and spirit.  Poetry and illustration create contrast in a realm of words and color, inspiring the two to become one art in itself.

John Barton

(b.1991)
McClintock High School

Prescription Ketchup, 2009
oil on canvas

With all of the drugs available in today’s society: legal, illegal, prescription, non-prescription, is the world is becoming over-medicated? It seems as though people are leaning on drugs as a crutch for practically everything. Nearly all of these drugs have side effects, so wouldn’t it be desirable to substitute the drugs with something that doesn’t have them, something such as…ketchup? Why not take something potentially harmful and replace it with an everyday consumable product that—who knows—might have the same medicinal effects!

Kathryn Cozart

(b. 1991)
Desert Mountain High School   

Glam, 2009
acrylic on canvas

Marilyn Monroe was one of the most widely idolized sex symbols of the 20th Century.  Her glamorous disposition reverberated in the thousands of photos and films in which she was featured.  Monroe’s public identity juxtaposed the struggles with depression and drugs that the woman truly faced.  She represented the devastating life of a woman who knows all too well that beauty and fame can easily tear a human down.  My work shows how at the end of her life she remained publicly glamorous contrasted with her inner struggles. The public views human life simply through the microscope of the media’s eye, abandoning all sympathy towards human conditions.

Katie Callaway

(b. 1990)
Shadow Mountain High School

Metamorphose, 2009
porcelain, stoneware and wire mesh collage

All through life people are looking to improve themselves. This is usually done by a means of make-up, clothes and sometimes even to the extremes of irreversible surgery. Looking at herself, she still cannot find what society defines as perfection. The media is constantly molding the superficial ideals that too strongly influence us. No matter how much a person tries to alter themselves, they are the same on the inside and that is where we all should be looking for self-improvement.

Katlin Forster

(b. 1991)
Desert Mountain High School

Pirouetting Paige, 2009
paper and wire mixed media

There are infinite ways to express yourself, from text on a page to movement on a stage. Body movement was the first form of communication and as time passed, it became more eloquent. Written word is now the most common form of expression. By beautifully arranging words, we can create a permanent impression in one’s mind. Expression with the body is only temporary, whereas the written word will last an eternity.

Kira Macdonald

(b. 1990)
Central High School   

Introspection, 2009   
gelatin Silver Print        

There are times in my life that force me to look deep inside to find the strength to face the challenges ahead.  There are other times when I need to step back and see the big picture, resist dwelling on shortsighted plans, and concentrate on the vast expanse that is the future. That is what life is about: knowing when to differentiate between those two perspectives, when to focus on the here and now, and when to move beyond introspection, into the Unknown Future.

Kyle Bowerman

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School

Greenovia aurea, 2009
Paper and wire mixed media

Looks are deceiving. Most people see this cactus as a contemporary salute to one of Arizona’s most sacred succulents, but this cactus shrieks of wrongdoing. A revolution has sparked between new green (environmental movement) vs. old green (color) causing the word green to obtain a new meaning. No longer is green used to refer to the color of a saguaro; it is now used to describe a way of life. But this new way of life should not cost as much green as it currently requires. While this year’s bloom seems unfortunately pricy, there is always hope that next year’s will be more sweet than bitter.

Lauren Molina

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School   

Parallel Phenomenon, 2009
acrylic on canvas board

Another stomachache caused by anxiety over my worst fear… What is it that I fear the most? I fear the unknown: things like death, the afterlife and the darkness. I created this painting with the intention to juxtapose this concept against subject matter that portrays hope, such as the lucky ladybug and the beautiful butterfly.  I hope to provoke viewers to identify their worst fears and overcome them. If your fear is similar to mine, let this also remind you why the human race is driven to find faithful companionship.

Lisa Martinez

(b. 1991)
Desert Mountain High School   

The State of Things, 2009
acrylic on linen

Hidden within our world is a clash between the uniform symmetry of man’s structures and the asymmetrical elements of the earth. Man has learned to create his entire life within boxes, dictated by the precision of measured lines. The earth points to a simpler and harmonious life of asymmetry and imperfection. Both man’s deterioration of the landscape and the earthly ideal are represented within my piece. The conflict between the two has resulted in chaos; with man’s development staining what little is left of our original home.

Lynnie Tso

(b. 1990)
Central High School   

The Story as Told by Our Fathers, 2009
gelatin silver prints        

Spirits are dancing all around us, telling their stories.  Dancing tells stories in many ways. We, the Dine people, dance to the good beat of our music and songs that tell stories. These stories keep our culture alive even though society around us is changing rapidly. 

Manny Singer

(b. 1991)
Shadow Mountain High School

Beer Wrong, 2009
wood, epoxy, plastic, paper

Alcoholism is a huge problem among American teens as well as many adults. The high school and college lives portrayed through the media give us a false sense of reality. They choose to hide the harmful and devastating effects of alcohol not only to grown men and women but also to our youth. Alcohol companies and television make it seem like the life through drunken eyes is all fun and games but there are serious consequences to heavy drinking. By realizing the pain and heartbreak alcohol can put on yourself and your loved ones, we can begin to purge the outbreak of binge drinking in America’s youth.

Marlon Gastelum

(b.1990)
Shadow Mountain High School

The Real Man, 2009
Ceramic, dictionary paper & silk fabric  

The erroneous stereotype of man:
All bronze, no brain.
Tough with no heart.

What do you think?

Minh Huynh

(b. 1992)
Coronado High School

Caught, 2009
gelatin silver prints

Within my photographs, a simple line can be enlarged to a great masterpiece. Passion always engulfs my work, exploring darkness and beauty. My art is fierce and my ideas are cool. I force my compositions to fit the entire lens. I am often amazed by my final product floating in the toxic chemicals. My passion has always been to explore the body, but to never alter it. As the studio is my friend, I prolong my mind and imagination to angles, surfaces, space, reflections, lighting, and textures.

Molly Harbottle

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School

Destructive Growth, 2009
ceramic mixed media

Take a look at the surrounding world. When cities are young, they generally develop and grow, yet there are things in existence that are continuously making them decay.  A decrease in population and an increase in crime can lead to a city’s downfall. The process of urban decay juxtaposes the idea of the growth represented in a city. This piece of art shows the contrast between growth, in the reconstruction of the pot, and decay, in the multiple pieces that make the whole.

Rebecca Anderson

(b. 1992)
Desert Mountain High School

The Vision Before You, 2009
tile mosaic/acrylic

When looking in the mirror, you are looking at your reflection, but not really seeing the person that lies beneath. Many people don’t see their inner beauty, and walk around thinking they are not beautiful. But everyone is, in their own special way, an individual. Flowers are a symbol of natural beauty. Sunflowers represent life and happiness. I believe that the happiest people are the most beautiful inside.

Robyn Ferguson

(b. 1992)
McClintock High School

Warm-hearted, 2009
oil pastels

When you hide your heart from others, they don't get a clear picture of your true self. In the end your feelings will try to shine through; if you try to conceal them people will get a distorted and possibly eerie impression of you. I’ve found throughout my life that an open and honest heart makes a brighter and better world.

Ronna Encarnacion

(b.1992)
McClintock High School

Industrially Organic, 2009
oil on canvas

With all the technology and industry in the world, it is easy to lose sight of the organic beauties of the planet. Change is occurring, and occurring fast. Modern technology continues to dominate the industry. In spite of this, we should never forget the natural wonder nature has given us. Human-made objects may have provided us with easier ways of doing everyday activities, but there is nothing compared to nature; even the simplest scene provides exquisite beauty.

Sara Gushgari

(b. 1991)
Desert Mountain High School

Haphazard Creation, 2009
ceramic mixed media

Destruction is simply another form of creation. Growth comes from decay; death is counter-balanced by life; destruction allows space for new creation. This piece suggests that color, vivacity and life can erupt from dullness and death by the juxtaposition of the seemingly opposite concepts of creation and destruction. By allowing vitality to emerge from a dreary situation, we can create a much happier, more optimistic world.

Shan Luc

(b. 1991)
McClintock High School

As We Grow Old, 2009
oil on canvas

My brother has always been my most important role model. When we were little, he was the one who taught me how to tie my shoes and blow bubble gum, and was the one I always looked up to. Seventeen years have passed and many things are now different, but my brother is still my great teacher and friend. I learn so much when he shares his experiences with me. I am very thankful for having such a loving brother. Thank you!

Shirine Salvade

(b. 1990)
Desert Mountain High School   

Overcome, 2009
acrylic on canvas 

My work depicts the heavenly realm where souls become angels. After a struggle to survive the darkness and magnetic experiences that deter them from reaching straight away for the light, they emerge on the other side. Like insects, we confuse the light bulb with the beautiful energy of the sun. We become blinded and go straight into the heat that will confuse us then combust us ruthlessly. The angel with wings shows that she has overcome her struggles. She is liberated now, and soars into the sky of knowledge and freedom.

Victoria Ruiz

(b. 1991)
McClintock High School

Burden or Blessing, 2009
oil on canvas

We all get only one chance at childhood. Looking back at my childhood, I have wonderful memories of playing outside, riding my bicycle and spending time with my brother and sisters. Lately, though, it seems as if parents are more concerned with developing their children’s minds that letting them have fun and roam freely.  Will childhood pass their children by before they have a chance to experience it?