Multiple Artists
Visions ’24
May 10 - Sep 22, 2024
Visions is a year-long invitational visual arts program that has been provided to Valley teens for 25 years. In collaboration with six high schools, students attended monthly workshops conducted by professional artists, toured universities, and connected with exhibitions offered by SMoCA.
About
Our individual identities continue to evolve as they are shaped by the many places, people, and experiences that impact us. Time feels as if we cannot grasp it until we look back and see just how much has changed since childhood. These facets of life do not avoid the likes of adolescents, who experience such emotions and pressures at a rapid pace going into adulthood. Luckily, advanced art students in the Visions program have found ways to cope with understanding their ever-changing identity through their artmaking. With so many life chapters flashing before us, we welcome you to take a moment of pause as the young artists “gently paint time back into existence.”
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as one of the longest running teen art programs in the country, Visions invites six Valley high schools to bring their most proficient art students to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), where they engage in monthly tours and workshops with professional artists. Throughout the school year, students also come together for a weekend-long outdoor retreat, visit artist studios, and tour college and university art departments, thanks to partnerships with the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Paradise Valley Community College. Lastly, students are tasked with creating a final piece that is expressive of topics important to them in a culminating exhibition of their very own. As a way to celebrate the work and accomplishments of these rising professionals, Visions ’24 highlights the skills, inspirations, and ideas exchanged between Visions students and teaching artists throughout the program.
Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation would like to thank the following artists for their inspiring participation in the 2023–24 Visions program: Nicole Antebi, Barbara Jo Borch, David Bradley, Diana Calderon, Antoinette Cauley, Kate Collins, Bill Dambrova, Kat Davis, Carolyn Hazel Drake, Megan Driving Hawk, Saskia Jorda, Annie Lopez, Daniel Mayer, Abbey Messmer, Devon Meyer, Rafael Navarro, Brianna Noble, Richard Pence, Dean Reynolds, Roger Asay & Rebecca Davis, Martina Shenal, Diane Silver, Lisa Tolentino, and Yuko Yabuki. In memory of Barbara Kemp Cowlin.
Thanks are also in order for the following participating teachers and schools: David Beard, Tempe High School (sculpture); Desiree Devirgilio, Chaparral High School (multimedia); Jennifer Jardine, Shadow Mountain High School (painting); Kyllan Maney, New School for the Arts & Academics (painting); Tyler Novak, Desert Mountain High School (sculpture); and Lydia Phelps, Mesa Public Schools (multimedia).
Organized by Brittany Arnold, community engagement manager for Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation.
The Visions program is supported by the City of Scottsdale, Nationwide, the Greenhut Family—In Memory of Sandy Greenhut, Scottsdale Unified School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Tempe Union High School District, Phoenix Union High School District, Mesa Public Schools, and New School for the Arts & Academics. Additional support for this program is provided in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, which receives support from the state of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Location
The Center Space gallery is located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Exhibition Hours
- Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and during evening shows
- Closed on Mondays and for special events
Artworks
Girl, 2024
Film photography Chaparral High SchoolThese images are an exploration of the personal spaces that belong to the women in my life. I wanted to shoot private acts in these spaces to show all that is done in a woman’s life yet is not discussed. I chose to use color film because of the inherent characteristics of soft color and grain, which I relate to the experience of womanhood. Furthermore, I find shooting with film completely changes a photographer’s process because you are forced to shoot with complete intention and presence. I was inspired by Brianna Noble because of the incredibly intimate stills in her artwork.
No Flaws, 2024
Digital photography Chaparral High SchoolUsing the contrast of positive and negative imagery in black and white photography, I explore the inner conflict with beauty standards and the pursuit of perfection that a young woman can experience. The two photographs play with positive and negative space, a visual metaphor for the push and pull of self-acceptance against the ideal’s society has imposed upon us. The work is not just an artistic expression but a personal journey through self-image. I was influenced by artist Richard Pence and his use of the negative image within his photographs.
Capture, 2024
Ballpoint pen, and Posca markers New School for the Arts & AcademicsBeing in my final year of high school, I wanted to create something that represents me, where I am in my life, and where I’m headed. I was very conflicted about whether I wanted to pursue visual art after high school because photography and video are also other mediums that I have an interest in and want to expand on after I graduate. For this work, I ended up combining both hobbies because I don’t have to pick just one. The artist that inspired my work is Antoinette Cauley, with her use of portraiture and location. By using these ideas, I was able to “capture” my feelings about my evolving identity by using my photography as a reference for my painting, along with visually representing myself.
More on the Inside, 2024
Charcoal on wood Shadow Mountain High SchoolMore on the Inside is a charcoal drawing on wood that is inspired by artist Antoinette Cauley. She taught me the power of incorporating a person's identity into their work of art. This led to a realization that I had never made a piece of artwork just for myself. I created this self-portrait using a unique process. I began by creating a collage of images that represent who I am. I then projected this collage onto myself, took a photo, and used that photograph as my reference for this drawing. My final piece focuses less on what I physically look like and emphasizes the pieces of me that exist on the inside.
The Perfect Horse, 2024
Acrylic on canvas Shadow Mountain High SchoolFor as long as I can remember, I have put unrealistic expectations on myself. The Perfect Horse is an attempt to communicate the frustration I began to feel at five years old when making something I thought was less than expected of me. I have worked at accepting imperfection over time, but that memory, combined with others just like it, made me who I am. Antoinette Cauley inspired me to incorporate aspects of identity and childhood into my art. Throughout the process of creating this painting, I had to remind myself that what matters is practice, not the creation of something perfect.
How’s it Going?, 2024
Photography, and mixed media Chaparral High SchoolThis piece is about my relationship with my parents. My dad has leukemia and is currently going through treatment. The relationship with my dad is complicated. The heart in the piece is a representation of mine and his heart and how both of our heartsrepresents both of our hearts and how they are hurting in different ways. While his is literal, mine is more emotional. The portrait of my mom shows how I put her on a pedestal and how close I am to her. I was inspired by Brianna Noble's work and how her subject matter relates to everyday experiences that might pass by unnoticed.
Volunteer, 2024
Pen and ink Shadow Mountain High SchoolIn 1942, evacuation notices were sent to Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. They were forced to sell their belongings and relocate to prison camps. I created a pointillism piece of my great-grandmother volunteering after Executive Order 9066 was passed. My reference image was featured in an issue of tThe Seattle Times in 1942. I was inspired by Richard Pence’s photography. I incorporated his use of positive and negative images to create a more interesting and dynamic composition. I chose to use the contrast between the border and the inner image to parallel the hysteria and racial prejudice toward Japanese Americans in comparison to their loyal actions as citizens. The Seattle Times article caption: “Mrs. Dixie Ised (left), 24 years old, of Kent, lives just outside the boundary lines for this week's evacuation order affecting 1,050 King County Japanese and didn't have to register today, but she volunteered her services in registering her neighbors, of whom Miss Tomiko Miyaoka (right), 21, is one. Mrs. Iseri, a typist, also acted as interpreter for Japanese who have trouble speaking English. Born in Kent, Mrs. Iseri has never been out of Washington State.” — April 21, 1942 West Coast newspapers during 1942. Courtesy of Yoriko Watanabe Sasaki; in printed form by James Watanabe, M.D.
Round and Round, 2024
Mixed media Desert Mountain High SchoolThis piece displays the emotions I share with various versions of myself that have existed, are existing, and will exist. I drew inspiration from Diana Calderon and her delicate work with threads and fabrics that leave an intricate touch in her work. The way that I change and how my past actions affect me holds a constant presence in my life. I always feel it’s important not to restrict myself by suppressing encounters that could potentially lead to a new chapter in my life, so I try to hold onto past experiences that have shaped me without allowing myself to be held back by fear or change
Shedding My Skin, 2024
Clay, resin, pencil, watercolor, and paper Dobson High SchoolI strive to convey the immense fear and beauty in change, to show that it is not always easy. When it comes to change, tarantulas and humans are much alike: we molt and grow larger and stronger. We are both exposed to the new dangers that can occur during this process. We are both trapped in our old bodies—, we are both misunderstood creatures—, but we are both beautiful inside and out.
Discordia Concors, 2024
Mixed media Desert Mountain High SchoolThis piece is meant to represent how different things and people in life mesh and interact with each other. Each of these pieces are is unique, and they do not fit together, but they still create a playable board. The chess pieces represent relationships I have in the world, all unique and different but all interconnected, with each piece representing something important to me. The pieces are set in play as these relationships are ever-changing. I drew inspiration from Kate Collins's work with collages and the idea of piecing things together to form a mismatched yet unified piece. The harmonious discord of life creates beautiful games.
Is the Playdate Over?, 2024
Mixed media on canvas Shadow Mountain High SchoolIs the Playdate Over? is a piece that captures the dissociation and understanding of growing older and leaving your childhood. It is a two-colored piece, that, with the use of red and blue lens glasses, can help the viewer see two very different portraits. These red and blue faces represent the idea that sometimes it feels like there can be two people in one: the person we used to be and the person we are now. Artist Antionette Cauley was a big inspiration for me during this process. She helped me see the importance of recognizing who we are, where we come from, and how to incorporate that into a piece of artwork and reflection.
16 Years, 2024
Photography and mixed media collage Chaparral High SchoolThis piece, 16 Years, was inspired by old movie posters, music promotions, and clothing endorsements from the 1960’s –- 1990’s. Each poster represents one year of my life and is designed as if each year was being advertised to the public. Each one includes multiple important elements, such as people and objects, that have transformed me as a person. Looking at all the posters shows how much self-discovery and rapid change happens in adolescence. The severe difference in some posters demonstrates just how chaotic life is and how much change can happen in one year.
Through My Eyes, 2024
Digital photography Mountain View High SchoolThis piece that I present is intended to allow you to understand a bit of my world as I see it. Every one of my photos only captures a small piece of a full picture, much like a single flower in a garden, reflecting on the smaller details of life and appreciating them. The notes allow my thoughts to be expressed with words, the simple things I think while I look over the photographs. One of my biggest inspirations was Megan Driving Hawk who taught us that using words with our art is okay, and that it could help convey the story with more personal words from the artist.
Frustration, Flowering, 2024
Folded paper, paint, pen and ink New School for the Arts & AcademicsI create art all the time—: when I'm in class, at home, or just relaxing with friends. Most of what I make remains a sketch or an unfinished product; it's only few and far between that my creations come to be fully “‘finished’” artworks that I would want to display or even call my own. Creating art in this way yields amazing products in some cases, but, most of the time, it will inevitably lead to frustration or neglect. This artwork is a visual representation of my artistic process:, the items that get finished, the items that get discarded, and all of the parts in between. I have created this piece in a style that I am developing to be my own while incorporating some of the paint types and color blocking of artist Bill Dambrova. I stuck to my process of printing, cutting, and gluing pieces of paper into geometric forms. I have honed this technique over my high school years, letting it get more complex and experimental as I progress.
Environment, Equity, Economy, 2024
Mixed media New School for the Arts & AcademicsMy piece is inspired by the three pillars of sustainability: environment, equity, and economy. The piece illustrates how they are intertwined with one another in an abstract manner. As I was creating, I thought of the idea of life beyond our own. I decided to start with a similar process similar to as Bill Dambrova’s. I created with an automatic process, where I worked with the shapes randomly, and when I didn't like something, I painted over it. I used many layers to build up a visual history and added different mediums and repurposed materials on the panel. Creating this way helped me make more connections with these three pillars.
Yéigo Shíyázhí, 2024
Wood, and stoneware clay Tempe High SchoolMy artwork highlights the struggles of an athlete’s mental health while playing sports; often not talked about. In order to communicate and spread awareness of these feelings of abandonment and separation, I am using wooden lockers and sports gear. Locker rooms can represent the empowerment of being on a team or signify places where they feel detached mentally. I drew inspiration from Rebecca Pipkin’s use of natural materials by using wood cut by my grandfather on the reservation. I needed to express my firsthand experience of being destroyed mentally for every athlete who is overlooked, underestimated, and underrepresented.
Self-Boxed, 2024
Wood, fabric, glass, clay, wire, and paint Tempe High SchoolMy artwork expresses the struggle, and mental state of a life period. In the piece, a person is in a wood and wired box, with one big stool. It is dark. A mirror with glass is shattered on the ground, and it seems like the person cannot escape. Morse code is carved on the walls, expressing thoughts going on through their head. Lastly, there is curtain-like fabric on two corners on the box, as if it is all a show. Diana Calderon from inspired me because, during her workshop, we created a wooden piece, using a few words that describe us and life.
Untitled, 2024
Sculpture, mixed-media collage, and sketchbook Chaparral High SchoolThis piece explores my personal feelings about the presence of joy and pressure in my life. I am nostalgic about the joy I used to feel from artmaking and music. I find it hard to grasp as it sits amongst the daily pressures of school, grades, and my job. I feel trapped by what is expected of me and what I actually want to be doing. My sketchbook, which used to be fun, has become a drain. I can relate to the visual journals by artist Devon Meyer. I like how it wasn’t pretentious or complicated, she just drew what she saw.
Define Androgynous, 2024
Digital photography Chaparral High SchoolMy series of photographs was inspired by Martina Shenal, a photography professor at the University of Arizona. Through showing me how to properly use equipment and techniques in a studio setting, I knew I wanted to implement this type of process into my exhibition piece. I wanted my work to symbolize society's assumptions about masculinity and femininity in both men and women. By dressing models in both masculine and feminine clothing, ignoring gender entirely, I wanted to bridge the gap between gender roles, conveying the idea that in a perfect world, gender expression should not negatively affect a person's reputation.
Lingering, 2024
Fabric, and yarn Dobson High SchoolMy piece is inspired by my personal experience with mental illness and my love for characterization. The demonic figure is a personified version of mental illness, and the piece shows how it affects virtually every aspect of life, regardless of its relevance. It seeps out from your mind and plagues your view of the real world, making mundane tasks and socializing harder and harder to do and cope with.
Human Connection, 2024
Acrylic on canvas Shadow Mountain High SchoolThis painting explores the idea of human connection and how people can affect each other's lives. Through my piece, I show a representation of the internal conflict that occurred in my life because of the people around me and those I’ve built a relationship with. I wanted to show the good and the bad because outside influences can affect you greatly, especially when you are still figuring yourself out. I was inspired by the artist Bill Dambrova. He has an abstract and complex style that really tells a story. I learned and incorporated his layering techniques and imagery of internal organisms and their mechanics.
Entangled Genera, 2024
Ceramics Desert Mountain High SchoolThis piece is a depiction of the bond I share with my two sisters. It is based around taxonomy, specifically binomial nomenclature, and the concept of using two names to denote an organism. All of the beetles share a genus, Goliathus, as a representation of the familial tie we hold. However, all the beetles are of differing species, in turn relating to our individualism. The designs the beetles hold are further demonstrations of our differing natures, with each being based on my perspective of the person. Taking inspiration from Kate Collins’s collages of identity, I used the question of self to create these portrayals.
TransOrbital, 2024
Mixed media and acrylic on wood New School for the Arts & AcademicsThis work is largely themed around my exploration of my identity, both in my gender and my community. The piece visually communicates my previous struggles with mental health and the way I was uplifted by the community that I found through roller derby. I created the work using a variety of techniques, including value portraiture and collaging. This is all intended to express my growth both artistically and personally over the last few years. I was inspired by Visions artist, Antoinette Cauley. Her idea of experience-based identity really spoke to me, and I chose to include those ideas in my final piece.
Party of the Year, 2024
Paper-mache New School for the Arts & AcademicsIn my work, I was inspired to depict internal organs in a childlike manner. I created unproportionable organs and then turned them into disco balls. My work was created to visually communicate the childhood of a chronically ill kid and the idea of taking back my childhood from the organs that took it. The Visions artist I chose is Bill Dambrova. His work in color inspired me to work brighter, and I am inspired by how all his pieces look so alive without fully existing.
Memory Lane, 2024
Digital print, and florals Westwood High SchoolMy piece Memory Lane draws inspiration from Haley Joelle's song exploring a girl's loss, whether through breakup or death. It depicts her journey down Memory Lane, surrounded by statues of cherished memories. The flowers hold significance, transitioning from positive meanings—coral roses for deep love, orange tulips for appreciation—to somber tones, symbolizing distance and parting. Contrasting pops of color subtly convey hope amid fading hues. Striped carnations depict growing apart, white sweet peas symbolize peaceful goodbyes, lilies represent grief, and white roses signify new beginnings. Contrasting purple flowers embody hope, forget-me-nots evoke memory, and balloon flowers express the desire for reconnection. This piece reflects the struggle of moving on, accepting reality, and letting go of painful attachments.
Caps and Bows, 2024
Oil on canvas Shadow Mountain High SchoolThis painting captures the feeling of saying goodbye to your childhood as you move on to the future. This piece features a younger version of myself passing on a bow to my current graduating self. I wanted to encompass not only the two figures but also their surroundings, which are changing as well. I was inspired by the artist Antionette Cauley and her themes of girlhood and identity. I began my process with an acrylic underpainting, and I finished with a layer of oil paint.
Her Thoughts and Mine, 2024
Ceramics Desert Mountain High SchoolHer Thoughts and Mine was inspired by a series of passages compiled together by my grandmother in her final moments. In my piece, you can see a collection of her thoughts and a little of my own. I was inspired by Kate Collins and her process of using single phrases to find a deeper meaning. This led me back to my grandmother's book and inspired me to put all of her thoughts on the outside of my piece. The purpose of my piece is so her words and mine live on through many. I hope you find comfort in her words the same way I do.
Solitary, 2024
Clay, yarn, acrylic paint, and wood Tempe Union High SchoolAn artist that inspired me was Diana Calderon. During her workshop, we picked three3 words and created art using them. It relates to my Visions project because, even though I’m demonstrating my work through clay, I am using words that relate to the topic and creating expressions to show different emotions. In one of my pieces, I have a face sculpture showing happiness and calmness as if nothing wrong happened. The piece shows how even though someone looks okay, you never know what someone is going through. My other face sculpture will shown pain, and strong emotions, showing the effect sexual assault can have on a person.
Roses Blossom from Maturity, 2024
Oil on canvas New School for the Arts & AcademicsThe theme of my work is the complexity within femininity. I included visual representations of emotion and complex identities through colors and metaphors. My work visually communicates a range of women (princesses)— all with different emotions and in different environments—, displaying a complexity of emotions one may feel in a certain environment. I created the work using oil paint as I feel it has a sense of fluidity that I can control, along with the blending of vibrant colors. The use of oil paint also aligns with the intention to accurately represent the feeling I wanted to evoke. The Visions artist I was inspired by is Antoinette Cauley. The part of her work that inspired me was her strong portrayal of her personal life experience. She uses powerful visual metaphors that display her identity as a woman who has a hold on the wisdom of maturity.
Under Our Mother’s Wing, 2024
Clay, wood, glass, and fibers Desert Mountain High SchoolUnder Our Mother’s Wing is supposed to embody felinity at its core along with the concept of childhood being full of ignorance. The ceramic bust has imperfections, as do our beautiful bodies. The wings made of natural material represent our freedom and expression through nature. The flower crown is a symbol of being naive and innocent, as all our souls are. Under Our Mother’s Wing tells the story of a young girl growing up with only the support of other women and how they took her under their wings and guided her. I was inspired by the work of Barbara Jo Borch, and this piece is dedicated to Christina Angel and Mary DeLora.
Lurking About, 2024
Wood, clay, cotton fabric, and sewing string Tempe High SchoolThe overall theme for my piece is being in a happy mental state yet feeling scared depression will take over. This is shown through the person in the boat who is fishing. This shows how one may search for their depression in order to try and prevent it. The sea monster is sneaking up on the person, similarly to how depression does. The colors of the pond become darker near the sea monster and span across the pond to represent how depression takes over your entire life. The most time-consuming part of this piece was the quilt, which was inspired by Arizona State University professor Carolyn Hazel Drake. She mainly works with textiles, and I enjoyed how calming the process was.
Fractured Memories: A Journey Through Chaos, 2024
Pen and ink Mesa High SchoolWithin the ink my story unfolds a narrative of chaos, resilience, and the persistent passage of time. Each line mirrors the fragmented landscape of my mind, a labyrinth of memories and emotions. In the complex lines and intricate patterns of this artwork, I find solace ... comfort —- a reminder that even through chaos there is a beauty to be found. With Saskia Jorda's workshop, which was very freeing, it helped me break the restrictions I placed on myself and allowed me to branch out to my past, present, and future to intertwine them into one.
The Fabric of Time, 2024
Ceramics, and thread Desert Mountain High SchoolThis piece is a depiction of how I view various periods of my past. My piece was inspired by Carolyn Hazel Drake, who taught my peers and meI the art of improvisational quilt- making. She helped me to appreciate the symbolic value of a quilt, leading me to create my own “quilt” out of clay. Each of the ceramic tiles in my sculpture represents a stage of my life, which cominge together to represent who I am and how my experiences define me. I chose to make one of my tiles white and without clear imagery as an abstract representation of the adulthood I have not yet lived. Although The Fabric of Time is about my personal feelings/memories, my intention is that these ideas about our shared human experience will resonate with everyone.
Panoptic Punk, 2024
Mixed media and& oil on wood New School for the Arts & AcademicsI was inspired to create this series by Antoinette Cauley. The way she is able to bring people together through similar personal experiences has really motivated me to build a community through my art. My work includes two headshot portraits of lead singers, whose bands I've researched and found interesting. I also included a collage made from posters of the Valencian punk band, Colisión, and two full-body portraits of everyday punk/alternative people. The inclusion of everyday people is important to me, as I want the message to apply to all types of people in the punk community rather than the musicians alone. The overall intention is to portray that punk culture is all-encompassing and does not belong to any singular race, gender, or group.
Lo Que Fui, Soy, Seré, 2024
Mixed media Tempe High SchoolThis piece represents the complex emotions I have as a first-generation American. The themes of this piece are identity and the untold stories of my people. The artists who inspired me were Barbra Jo Borch, for her unique interpretations of emotions, and Juan Francisco Elso, for his representation of the Latin identity in his art, specifically in his piece Corazón de América, which greatly influenced me. Like these artists, the use of natural materials is important to my identity and culture. I wish for this piece to be a tribute to those who have passed on:, siempre los recordaremos en nuestros corazones.
First Fleeting, Now Forever, 2024
Acrylic and oil paint, and string Shadow Mountain High SchoolThis mixed media triptych explores the importance of connection with those affected by dementia. Through these fleeting moments, emotional bonds can persist. With this comes an appreciation for the creation of new memories while still preserving those in the past. Inspired by Bill Dambrova's expressionist style of work, his focus on the subconscious relates to my concept of memory. Incorporating similar abstract elements has helped convey the beauty of human existence and resilience. In dedication to my loved ones, I chose to honor them with remembrance rather than grief. It's this embrace of memories that keeps a person alive.
Mapped Waters, 2024
Mixed media, and gold leaf New School for the Arts & AcademicsThe overall inspiration that I drew on for my piece was the environment and how it is ever-changing, shifting, and that it is in constant flux. My work visually communicates that even with things being different and changing, there is still a constant and familiarity with everything. I created the work by first layering torn-up maps that were put together to form the background. I then mapped out a water-like design that I painted black. Finally, I gold-leafed the water design. This is intended to express the importance of change. The Visions artists that I drew from the most were Roger Asay and Rebecca Davis. The part of their work and workshop that inspired me was how they conveyed nature in both a natural and unnatural way. I wanted to play with this a bit more and add more unnatural elements to convey a natural feeling of the environment.
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