Leave it to the children to speak the truth.
The student art exhibits at this year’s festivals – the Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival – are striking for their dark honesty. At the FOA, in particular, there are a few pieces that are borderline disturbing, especially coming from artists so young.
But that’s OK.
Chalk it up to the impacts of COVID, perhaps, where isolation became the norm, where dark thoughts and resentments percolated. No more prom, no more ball games, no more fun. Did this frustration grow into something else?
Clearly, the student art seems more provocative than it’s ever been. We are withholding names but one seventh grader painted a haunting image of a young woman lying in front of a church, cut up and bleeding. The title, “I Saw Myself Praying to Heaven Above.”
It really is striking and makes you wonder at what point is art therapeutic or a red flag?
If an outpouring of cathartic truth is healthy, then this year’s display by students is a behavioral oasis.
Across the board, there are some outstanding pieces – from kindergarten to 12th grade, including the older LCAD students at the Sawdust.
“The Junior Art Exhibit at the Festival of Arts is a breathtaking showcase of talent and creativity, spanning from the youngest aspiring artists in pre-kindergarten to the visionary high school seniors,” said Sharbie Higuchi, Festival of Arts Marketing/PR Director. “Each piece of art displayed is a testament to the boundless imagination and skill that our young artists possess. From vivid drawings to intricate sculptures, this exhibit captivates viewers with its sheer beauty and depth of expression.”
For our money, the student space at the FOA – officially called the Junior Art Exhibit – is a summer highlight. Since 1947, it has been a fan favorite. About 200 artworks are selected from thousands of submissions representing schools throughout Orange County.
So do yourself a favor and check it out. See the next generation of artists, who are shaped by global forces that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
