Media: gouache, colored pencil

Inspiration: I wanted to create a series of works that tell a meaningful story.

Takeaway: It represents the journey of mental health and the stages of healing.

Angelina Tran, class of 2026, enjoys making art and engaging in imaginative storytelling through a variety of mediums. She finds inspiration through music, TV shows, movies, and video games.

Media: multimedia

Inspiration: As I’ve grown up, I’ve found that it’s increasingly difficult to express creativity in my life. I feel like as younger kids we’re encouraged to think outside the box and have vibrant imaginations, but as we grow up, society expects us to grow more “serious” and conform to more structured expectations. In this piece, I sought to highlight how creativity is freedom from the pressures of society and the monotony of daily life. Furthermore, I wanted to show how pursuing and expressing creative ideas is an essential part of maintaining joy and balance in life.

Takeaway: I hope that a viewer will come away from the piece, which is based on childlike doodles, feeling like it’s okay to do things that might be seen as childish or to stray from “perfection”. When I was working on this piece, I did some things that I would typically consider mistakes, but instead of erasing or covering them, I used my mishaps to inspire new elements and create something more imaginative. As such, I hope the viewer takes away the idea that things don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful or to have purpose.

Erin Lavery, class of 2024, enjoys playing softball and basketball and loves to draw and spend time with animals in her free time.

Medium: mixed media and acrylic

Inspiration: This abstract piece was created primarily for the color and with random, unexpected layering of ephemera. As the layers developed, it became itself.

Takeaway: “Direzione” means “direction” in Italian. I want the viewers to see what “they” want to see and feel from this piece. Move around in the piece. Interpret as you wish!

Lynn Rollison, class of 1969, is currently retired and living with her husband, Ray, in beautiful South Carolina. She enjoys spending time with family and creating her mixed media art.

Wonder and Curiosity (pen and watercolor)

By Isabella Villanueva

Inspiration: I wanted to experiment with painting humans and different subject matter.

Meaning: Always keep a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity, you may end up seeing the world in a different light.

Night at Busch Gardens (photography)

By Leo Pantas

Inspiration: A quote from a friend of the guy in the photo: “Living life just a little bit.” You’re already living life if you’re at an amusement park, but sometimes a small thing can be more memorable than a rollercoaster.

Meaning: Just rest, take it in. Don’t forget.

Linework Study (pen and marker)

By Isabella Villanueva

Inspiration: I wanted to study the different ways you can suggest shadows and marks on the skin with a pen.

Meaning: There isn’t just 1 way to portray things in art, experimentation and studies can be beneficial.

Johnny the Bear (digital art)

By Emily P. Westgate

Inspiration: my liking of bears.

Meaning: Stay creative.

Eat Cake (pen, colored pencil, marker)

By Isabella Villanueva

Inspiration: I was inspired by other artists online to create a piece without using many designated “skin tone” markers.

Meaning: Don’t be afraid to add various colors into your work, these colors can make your art much more interesting.

Dotted with Color (gel pens)

By Halle Burciaga

Inspiration: I found a red leaf that was freckled with brown then I decided to draw it with different colors.

Meaning: Nature if full of color. Take the time to notice the small details.