MARTINEZ — The Martinez Library art gallery was abuzz last Saturday as students proudly showed their artworks at the PTA show.
Seven-year-old Jolie Sharif said she was happy that her “Colorful Kitty,” a picture drawn with markers of her cat Moxie lying on a bed, was not only being shown at the gallery, but also that it received a special mention at the show reception.
“I was inspired by my cats Junior and Moxie,” said Jolie, who attends John Muir Elementary. “They make me happy which is why I made them colorful. I was in a happy mood when I made this.”
Del Marie Cuban, Jolie’s mother, said her daughter is a natural-born artist.
“Jolie has been creating from the moment we put art supplies in her hand as a baby,” said Cuban. “We are so proud of her and hope she continues to create as long as she enjoys it as much as she does now.”
“I’m excited for her,” said Jolie’s father, Ramsey Sharif. “I feel like this is the first of many art shows.”
“I really like the composition — how you got it all together and the sense of color,” art program director Colleen Gianatiempo said to Jolie.
During the 2017-2018 school year, students nationwide reflected on a common theme “Within Reach” and created original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
Students may enter the national awards program through their school’s PTA. Gianatiempo said she held some seminars at schools to try to generate interest for the PTA art show and contest via a creative brainstorming session after school.
“Kids went home and created their art,” she said. “The art was collected from all the schools by the mid-November deadline in Martinez Unified School District. I then had a panel come and judge at the district building.”
This show comprises district entries and prizes and ribbons were awarded to all the kids. This program is national, part of the 32nd District in California. Three entries moved onto the state competition. If entries advance from state, they go to nationals, Gianatiempo said.
Kayla Welch’s essay, “Effort is the Key to Success,” that chronicles the lessons learned through the challenges of balancing her involvements on the swim team and competitive dance, has been exhibited at the state competition for honorable mention.
“My essay describes how I set goals for myself and the hard work and determination needed to meet them,” said Kayla, 11, a student at Martinez Junior High. “These qualities helped put my goals within reach.”
Kayla’s mother, Tammi Welch, said she’s proud of her daughter for writing her third essay.
“She really liked this topic because it asked Kayla to reflect,” said Welch. “She worked hard to make specific goals for both the swim team and dance. Her motto was never give up and it helped her meet her goals.”
All Welch said she did was check the essay’s grammar, but from draft to final product was a result of Kayla’s efforts.
Chiara Ke, 11, juggles being on the soccer and swim teams while fitting in piano playing, and said she’s always made time to create art. Her colored pencil drawing “The Nature of Me,” a reflection of her love of nature, marks the fourth year she’s participated in the PTA student art show.
“For me, ‘Within Reach,’ implies anything that I am capable of doing,” Chiara said. “In my drawing, there are many words and pictures that describe mental and physical activities that are within my reach. I participate in a variety of sports, including swimming and soccer, and can solve many difficult mathematical problems. I can also draw and paint. These are just a few of the skills that I can see and reach for.”
Her father, Jeremy Ke, said Chiara’s always working on art projects, and her mom, Wendy Ke said her daughter has always been self-motivated.
“It’s a form of self-expression,” said Wendy Ke. “When you’re doing art, it’s your space.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Martinez Arts Association presents “Within Reach” the 2017 PTA Reflections Art exhibit
WHERE: Martinez Library gallery, 740 Court St.
WHEN: Through March 2
INFORMATION: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections