Tortuga by Victoria Anaya
The second installment of AWAKEN, an art exhibition of student art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) is now open to the public with free admission for all. The winter exhibition features artworks of 6 – 8 grade students challenged to use the visual arts to communicate how nature inspires them.
AWAKEN, a partnership between SLOMA and the SLO County Office of Education, is a series of three student exhibitions showcasing student response to themes of community, nature, or discovery. Students from elementary school to high school countywide are participating in the program.
Following a successful fall exhibition with community-themed artwork from nearby high schools, middle school students from San Miguel to Nipomo submitted for the winter “nature” exhibit.
“The Awaken exhibitions provide an artistic experience for a broad cross section of youth—many who may have never been to an art museum. This outreach is another opportunity for SLOMA to recognize the talents of our younger members of society. I am looking forward to the middle school students’ exhibition in February,” said Karen Kile, SLOMA executive director.
“Paradise” by Issac Ray Mendoza-Plascencia
The name ‘AWAKEN’ was chosen to reflect the notion that the creative process is a very basic human instinct, and one that can be embraced and fueled in school. The program offers dual opportunity: for students to display their artwork in a professional setting, and for families and educators to help shape students’ thinking mentality to go beyond traditional academics.
“I truly believe students need to develop both sides of their brains in order to fully reach their intellectual potential, such as the ability to solve complex problems, find creative solutions and communicate effectively,” said Robert Oliver, CTE Digital Media Instructor at Central Coast New Tech High. “The Arts help develop these desirable skills in our students.”
At the exhibition, you’ll see work from students like Isaac Ray Mendoza-Plasencia, who created a visual “Paradise,” and Victoria Anaya, who captured a bold “Tortuga,” both of Flamson Middle School. SLOMA received 96 submissions from countywide students. This exhibition has captured a wide range of views into nature. Many submissions flourish on paper, while others pursue 3D in clay creations and animalistic masks, and that’s only scratching the surface.
The middle school students’ exhibition is open February 1-17. Some artists have sold their artwork with proceeds going back to the young artists and SLOMA.
The final exhibition in May will showcase discovery-themed artwork by elementary school students.
For more information on AWAKEN’s three exhibitions, go to sloma.org/awaken/.
About San Luis Obispo Museum of Art:
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo, California. Admission is always free and open to the public Wednesday through Monday, 11–5 p.m. It is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit arts organization dedicated to providing and promoting diverse visual arts experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds through exhibitions, education, creation and collaboration. It preserves the artistic legacy of the California Central Coast in its permanent collection. Since 1967 this organization has been the beacon for the visual arts in its region. The Museum of Art is currently raising $15 million for a new home on its present location. More information about AWAKEN and SLOMA can be found at www.sloma.org.