Despite the very unfortunate cancellation of this year’s Festival of the Cranes due to an historically long federal government shutdown, Friends of Bosque del Apache still went ahead with plans to sponsor the second annual Socorro High School Festival of the Cranes Art Show. Many talented students poured their creativity into their art projects, showcasing their unique voices and artistic skills, and connecting with nature and Bosque del Apache in a special way, through their creative interpretations of the flora and fauna found at the refuge.
There was strong participation in the show from the Socorro High School art classes, and the students did a terrific job and produced works in a range of mediums, including painting, scratchboard, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel, embroidery, fiber art, metal sculpture and ceramics.
It was exciting to see the variety of work and we want to congratulate all the students who participated and bravely submitted their work. It takes courage to share something so personal with the world, and we are proud of each of you! This year’s judges had a difficult decision selecting winners from the wonderful range of entries.
This year, three top prizes were awarded, and after seeing the beautiful talent on display, the judges decided to add four Honorable Mentions as well.
The winners include:
First Place: “Monarchs of the Sky and Ground” by Grayson Mayfield (gouache, colored pencil)
Second Place: “Slithering into Bosque Rivers” by Emilia Olivares (acrylic)
Third Place: “Sandhill Crane” by Alex Gutierrez (colored pencil, acrylic)
Honorable Mentions:
Honorable Mention: “Silenced” by Nevah Guerro (acrylic)
Honorable Mention: “Adaptation Series” by Zachary Hoke (acrylic)
Honorable Mention: “Sunset Migrator” by Rylan Timmons (acrylic)
Honorable Mention: “New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse” by Emily Vote (embroidery)
This annual art show was started last year by Friends of Bosque del Apache as part of the Festival of the Cranes. It was developed to encourage a love of art and also to connect local students to the nearby refuge and its wildlife. As part of the project, the students spent time researching the subject animals, birds and plants represented in their art. Last year the students were also able to tour the refuge in autumn before Festival of the Cranes.
In addition to the honor and recognition, art supplies were also awarded to the first, second, and third place winners to support their continued artistic growth. “The students and I had a blast getting all of this together. The students loved the prizes! They were really grateful and so excited that their works were recognized by artists.” says Jessica Padilla, Socorro High School Art Teacher.
A huge thank you to Mrs. Padilla for her leadership and dedication to making this project a reality and guiding these students through their artistic journeys, helping them present their work so beautifully!