By Dr. Deborah Bauer
Executive Director - Seminole Cultural Arts Council
A unique art exhibit celebrating the creative potential of young artists is now open at the Sunshine Gallery in the Jean Rhein Central Branch of the Seminole County Public Library. Sponsored by the Seminole Cultural Arts Council (SCAC), "Artists at the Beginning" highlights 28 works students from six local high schools who have created pieces in introductory art classes.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 31, is free and open to the public during regular library hours (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday).
"Not everyone who creates a piece of art thinks of themselves as an artist," said Sandra Rivas-Cole, art teacher at Lake Howell High School and curator of the exhibit. "We want to show them they’re wrong, because anyone who creates art is an artist. This exhibit is about embracing the power of expression and creativity at any level."
The show features works in mediums such as Acrylic Paint, Tempera Paint, Color Pencils, Graphite Pencils, Ripped Paper Collage, Textile Yarn, and Digital Photography from students in various introductory courses, including Art-2D, Art-3D, Drawing I, and Painting I. These students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, represent a diverse group from local high schools such as: Hagerty High School, Lake Brantley High School, Lake Howell High School, Lake Mary High School, Seminole High School, and Seminole County Virtual School. The participating students include Jane Bacon, Michael Blenis, Kailei Bracamonte, McKenzie Davis, Jayden Espejo, Zoe Griffin, Marlowe Horchreiter, Kali Khattak, Kinsley Krall, Lily Laursen, Emma Lopez, Daisy Mays, Madison Leigh Maiuri, Jenna McCloud, Charlotte McKey, Adrian Mendoza, Sarina Nickerson, Alani Patel, Gabriella Pierson, Molly Smith, Gabi Stoor, Nathan Straight, Brielle Tupper, Jaelyn Williams, and Luke Wojastick.
The exhibit was the brainchild of SCAC Executive Director Dr. Deborah Bauer and made possible by the collaboration between SCAC and the Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) district. Curator Sandra Rivas-Cole, who also serves as an SCAC Board Member, emphasized the importance of celebrating student creativity. "Art isn’t defined by skill or experience but by the courage to create," Rivas-Cole said. "Each student featured here is an artist because they have embraced their unique creative voices. Their work is a reminder that art is a journey, and that journey is for everyone."
Shelby Maddox, Curriculum Specialist for K-12 Visual Arts/PE with SCPS, noted the importance of programs like "Artists at the Beginning" in helping students develop their artistic skills. "This exhibit reflects the foundational work happening in our visual arts classrooms across Seminole County. Through thoughtful instruction and creative problem-solving, students begin to uncover their artistic potential and shape their unique voices," Maddox said. "This showcase is a testament to the creativity that flourishes when young artists are supported from the start."
The exhibit coincides with the celebration of National Arts in Education Week, which was held this year from Sept. 14 to 20. The week, established by Congress in 2010, aims to raise awareness of the role the arts play in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and overall academic success. This year's theme, "Stronger Together for Arts in Education," highlights the importance of arts education in building student success across multiple areas, including academic achievement, workforce readiness, and mental health wellness. Come out and see the creativity of our student artists as they shine at the start of their artistic path.
Exhibit Details at a Glance:
Dates: Now to Oct. 31.
Location: Sunshine Gallery, Jean Rhein Central Branch of the Seminole County Public Library, 215 N. Oxford Road, Casselberry.
Admission: Free and open to the public
