The Bakersfield College Jones Art Gallery held a reception night for art students from Bakersfield high schools.
Students ranging from all grade levels came out to BC to display their art at the Panorama Invitational 2024, which was held at the Wylie and May Jones Art Gallery.
Three different pieces from each school were showcased at the event, which included drawings, paintings, sculptures, and woodwork.
Anette Santiago, a senior at Golden Valley High School, felt that having her art displayed at an actual exhibit called ‘Expression’ was “an ego booster.”
She jokingly explains how her artwork appreciation was overdue, due to all the effort and hard work she had put into it. Once finished, she found enough time to enter her work for the invitational and was chosen. She said, “It’s a huge accomplishment, not only for me but my family.” Santiago also says her biggest inspiration in becoming an artist was her mother, who was there to oversee her artwork.
Independence High student, Bella Velasquez’s artwork titled “Oculus” was featured at the event. It displayed a vibrantly colored self-portrait of the artist with her eyeball in the palm of her hand.
She felt honored to be part of the exhibit, especially since she has family who not only support her but share the same interests as her. “I felt happy when I saw my drawing, I started drawing when I was little, and I have family members who also are into art,” Velasquez stated.
Jeffery Huston, a member of the art department, believes that the invitational has always been a great way to see students bond with each other over their artwork alongside friends, classmates, family members, and peers.
Huston ended with, “The exhibit is a fun opportunity for students to meet and talk to each other, parents coming to see their child’s work and they’re from multiple high schools which adds more fun to the environment.”