Diana Castejon and her daughter Iris look at a Best in Show mixed media piece titled “I Trust You” created by Cora Cooper from Cave Language Academy during the 4th Annual Solano Student Art Showcase hosted by Solano County Office of Education on Saturday at the Solano County Fairgrounds. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)
Solano County has long been known for its emerse talent with the arts. Judging by Saturday’s showcase at the Solano County Fairgrounds, that won’t be ending anytime soon.
The 4th Annual Solano Student Art Showcase, hosted by the Solano County Office of Education at McCormack Hall, included over 400 pieces of art by over 375 different artists ranging from the fourth grade to seniors in high school. This year, there were three components — a performing arts exhibition, a displayed art exhibit and a community health fair.
The Solano Student Art Showcase community health fair featured 15 local agencies offering interactive booths with services and resources. There was also a few tables with activities, including students creating their own masks.
However, the highlight was once again the pieces of art displayed on numerous walls in the fairgrounds venue.
“I feel so proud to see all the amazing pieces of art and everyone’s work,” Gemma Ibita said. “I have two daughters and one of them (Gillian Ibita) got a third place finish (Division I from St. Catherine of Siena). She’s been an artist for a long time and it’s great to see her work.”
The goal of this year’s showcase was to recognize young artists and to promote art, mental health and wellness, in addition to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention through art.
According to SCOE Project Coordinator in Youth Development Rebecca Floyd, many of the artists focused on raising awareness for mental health.
“A lot of artists have focused on mental health because it’s such a big deal and they aren’t sure how to put it into words, so it comes out in the art,” Floyd said. “There’s been a real emphasis on that this year and I think a lot of that comes from COVID and the pandemic.”
Floyd said one of her favorite pieces was a piece by Ami Quiambao of Benicia Middle School: “We’re all Different, We’re all the Same.”
“I thought that one really displayed the world and its culture well and the spirit behind it all,” Floyd said.
“Floral Beauty” by Jesse Bethel High School sophomore Isabella Amboy which won Best of Show for Division III. “The Night I Thought Everything was Ok” by freshman Ava Campana of Buckingham Charter took first place in Division III. “I Trust You” created by Cora Cooper from Cave Language Academy, which saw hands and a face coming out of the canvas, won Best of Show for Division II.
Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella Henderson remarked earlier in the week through a press release, “We are grateful for the partnerships that support us in engaging more than 300 Solano students in displaying their art. This event not only provides a platform for young artists to share their work but also encourages artistic expression, sharing lived experiences, and creative thinking which enriches the cultural fabric of our community.
The showcase was a partnership between Solano County Office of Education and community organizations Fighting Back Partnership, Nature of Sound, Solano County Friday Night Live, Solano County Public Health, Solano Youth Coalition, Vallejo Project, and VIBE Solano.
