WORTHINGTON — The Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center lobby has been transformed into an art gallery to showcase the works of several Worthington High School artists this month.
The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, and all are welcome to attend. The show will remain up through March 28, and may be viewed during lobby hours Monday through Friday.
Worthington High School art teacher Heather Knigge said over 400 pieces are included in this year’s show. Each of the pieces was made by students in grades 9 through 12.
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“This show is special because I’ve taught the senior class all four years (of high school) so it’s just exciting to see their growth and the major talent they have,” Knigge shared.
She estimates anywhere from 75 to 100 students submitted a piece, or pieces for inclusion in this year’s show.
Two of those students are Frank Quintero and Brianna Morales, both WHS seniors. Quintero has entered the show for a second time, while Morales has had pieces in the show three times.
“For my pieces, I listened to music to help me get to the idea I was looking for,” Quintero said. “I also referenced historical sculptures that were made for people. I tried to reference their design.”
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Quintero has six pieces in the show, including a few ceramics he was inspired to make. He also made a painting with glass, mixing two medias that aren’t commonly used together.
For her part, Morales has 10 original pieces in the collection. She said she was inspired by color and each of her pieces hold a different meaning.
“Some relate to my family and some relate to things like my headspace,” she said.
Morales submitted stained glass pieces, paintings, drawings and ceramics for the show.
Each said they have a current favorite piece among their own submissions.
“Most of my pieces in there refer to my mental state of mind. You can see faces or expressions, emotions,” said Quintero. “It’s kind of like an abstract almost; someone else is going to see something else in it.”
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Morales said she particularly enjoys a suncatcher drawing she did as well as a mosaic she entered.
While neither senior has definite plans to turn their love of art into a career, they each agreed it’s an outlet they both need and love to have. Quintero said he is thinking about maybe one day becoming an art teacher himself.
“I don’t think I am going to go into an art career but I am for sure going to incorporate it (into life). It’s going to be a big hobby of mine,” Morales said with a laugh.
The two seniors hope those who attend the nearly month-long show walk away with a better appreciation for the works and are able to apply meaning to the pieces for themselves.
“You can at least come and see how everyone expresses themselves. You could see something you relate to and realize there are others out there like you,” said Quintero.
Hope Moural is the community editor for the Globe as of May 2024. A born and raised Nebraskan, Hope has a dual bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Concordia University, Nebraska, and has previously worked as a general assignment reporter.
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