By Hanna Singh
Ruston student artists showcased their work at the annual Senior Talented Art Show presented by the Ruston High School Talented Art Department the Creative Exchange Studio. The gallery featured work from 11 student artists in a wide variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, graphite, watercolor and mixed media.
Each student was able to choose up to five pieces to display in the show. Featured artists included Xavier Barker, Chad Hamlin, Olivia Moran, Laina Parkman, Jayden Revels, Allie Richardson, Claire Roane, Amelia Roger, Preslea St. Andre, Bailey Timm and Lyla Turner. They displayed artistic pieces such as paintings, drawings, pottery, photography, mixed media pieces and more.
“I am so thankful that this program is offered in Lincoln Parish,” Ruston High talented art teacher Deana Revels said. “The part I enjoy most about this show is the support and feedback the students get from the community. We always have such a great turnout, and the positive feedback is so great for their confidence.”
Revels acknowledged the importance of instilling skills and confidence in young artists as they embark on their artistic journeys.
“So many times, artists are so hard on themselves when it comes to their artwork. I feel like this show really helps boost their artistic confidence to help them to continue to create,” Revels said. “They have to work together to plan the event and I feel like this is such a great experience for them.
This year’s show was the second time being hosted at the Creatives at Work Gallery. In preparation for the event, students took a field trip to the Creative Exchange where owner Dylan Sanders discussed with students the process of preparing their artwork to be displayed and the pricing of original art and prints.
Senior artist Preslea St. Andre created abstract stroke artwork and watercolor pieces and noted that she specializes in hand lettering and writing in her art. The young artist explained why the Talented Art Show is so important to her now and inspiring toward her future plans.
“I love people to begin with and having the people I love come and support me as well as my fellow artists is so special,” St. Andre said. “It was very encouraging as well as I am going to continue to pursue a degree in graphic design at Louisiana Tech.”
Senior artist Olivia Moran echoed St. Andre’s appreciation for the program and described why she enjoyed being a part of the Talented Art Show.
“What I really enjoy about the Talented Art Program is the opportunity it has given me to explore different mediums and to push my artistic abilities,” Moran said. “The show gave me an opportunity to share my artwork with others and talking about something that I am truly passionate about.”
The Talented Art program in Lincoln Parish is one in which students must be evaluated and accepted by state approved specialists in the arts. Many of the students in the art show have been involved in the program since as early as sixth grade. The Senior Talented Art Show gives students the opportunity to showcase their artistic works while learning more about the business of art.
