LVAC and NMHU Sponsor High School Art Competition

David Escudero's studio breathes studied light, displays canvas layered in the colors of San Miguel County's jasper-speckled earth. Escudero sat at a simple wooden table, a sketch of geometrical shapes filled with hand-drawn parallel lines to one side. He pointed to the white paper, the not-quite-perfect lines of black ink.

"Art isn't part of the standard curriculum in most school systems anymore, and I think it's a big detriment to the students who don't always succeed in tests and in the so-called sports arena. These students may not become artists, but doing art develops certain parts of their brain." Escudero paused. "Not only in the visual arts, but in arts and crafts. Manipulating materials is important for brain development. Everyone has a potential to succeed in the arts, and everyone has talent. It needs to be fostered and developed."

Escudero's passion isn't simply a set of well-worn phrases. For the past three years he has organized the annual Las Vegas Arts Council High School Art Competition. The 2008 exhibition, being held February 11 to 25, 2008, is co-sponsored by NMHU's Art Department. In its fifteenth year, the event consists of artworks created by students from West Las Vegas High School, Robertson High School, and high school students from Mora and Pecos.

"This year we've invited Wagon Mound to participate," explains Escudero. "We're doing the legwork and going to these places and visiting people. Even if these schools don't have a formal art program, they have students who have the heart of an artist. We want all high school students to feel comfortable enough to submit a piece."

Each year, six selections are chosen to receive a prize. Three pieces are awarded Honorable Mentions. The artist who places third wins fifty dollars, second place wins seventy-five dollars, with the top prize winning one-hundred dollars. Judges are prominent artists from the community, including gallery owners and museum curators.

"We normally have 84 to 100 artworks. Most of the students work on their pieces in school and their art instructors help them prepare their artwork for presentation, but we will hang it no matter how it arrives. We make a good presentation for everyone," says Escudero. "This year NMHU is providing us with Burris Hall, which is a fabulous space. We will fill that space, too."

The artists' reception and funds for the prizes are donated by the Las Vegas Arts Council and established art businesses in the community. Volunteers are needed to act as docents during the two-week show. Exhibiting students are invited to attend the artists' reception with their families. For most students, this event is the first time their artwork is displayed in an exhibition setting with a reception event.

Escudero smiled as he described his favorite piece from a past show. "It was Christ on the Cross by Eric Sandoval, an abstract. It was not only a painting but it was a three-dimensional work, almost sculptural in relief. It had many influences - from local santero artwork to modern aspects. His work made a big impression on me even though it did not win a prize. Every judge that judges works of art has their particular likes or dislikes. And that's a fact even with curators in museums. It's a good lesson for young artists to learn."

Browns, greens, silver, the colors of ancient life infected with Escudero's exuberance reflected the setting sun through a chiseled glass window. He clasped his hands together in an expression of hope and sincerity.

"The arts should be a part of the development of every young person's life. At the very least, every child should be given the chance to experience art in all of its forms."

Las Vegas Arts Council High School Art Competition
February 11, 2008 to February 25, 2008
New Mexico Highlands University, Burris Hall

This is the 15th annual high school student art show which is sponsored by the Las Vegas Arts Council.  Students are asked to submit their art work to compete for the following prizes:  1st Place $100, 2nd Place $75, and 3rd Place $50; also, three honorable mention certificates are given to three students.  Local area high schools from Las Vegas, Pecos and Mora are invited to participate in the show.