Spark

July 28, 2020

Visions ’20 online exhibition celebrates student artists

The Center Space gallery might be closed for now, but we just couldn’t wait to show you everything our Visions teens have been working so hard on during quarantine! Visions ’20, an exhibition of teen artwork typically held in the spring, is now available for the global public to enjoy in a closer, and more intimate, digital format.  

Visions ‘20 is currently on exhibit in Center Space at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and will be viewable by the public when the Center reopens. Credit: Scottsdale Arts.

For 21 years, Visions has invited 42 Valley high school students to SMoCA to interact with and be inspired by contemporary art, artists, and exhibitions. These highly talented students specialize in painting/drawing, photography, and sculpture and work diligently to create an artwork for this culminating exhibition reflecting everything they learned during their time in Visions.  

https://player.vimeo.com/video/440500811
 One student, Kaylie Battel, talks about how local artist Abbey Messmer inspired her work and how she overcame pandemic barriers to create “one of her best pieces yet.”

“Visions students have always been well beyond their years in artistic talent, and this year especially challenged their perseverance, given the ever-changing learning environments amidst the pandemic,” says Brittany Arnold, teen and family coordinator and curator of the exhibition. “It was socially, emotionally, and mentally taxing on these young adults, yet they pushed through the spring with unrelenting resilience and determination in order to create their highest quality of work. I’m delighted patrons around the world will be able to see these students’ efforts in our first online exhibition. This was a trying year to say the least, but I am proud and honored to have worked with these incredibly bright and talented young artists.” 

Visions Retreat 2019 at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott. Credit: Scottsdale Arts.

Many students were inspired by artists they worked with, such as Antoinette Cauley‘s portraits, Saskia Jorda’s use of fiber to extend a piece beyond its usual confinements, or salt printing techniques taught by faculty at the University of Arizona School of Art. Can you see their influence in these budding artists’ work?  

Eike Müssig Contreras (born 2001)  
Saguaro High School   
No Words, 2020  
Oil on wood 
Madeline McClary (born 2002)  
New School for the Arts & Academics   
Extending the Function, 2020  
Felt with ceramics  
Adam Wilson (born 2002)  
Desert Mountain High School   
Flight, 2020  
Salt print 

Visions ‘20 will be on view in the Center Space gallery at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, pending building opening. See website for regular hours.

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