On Thursday May 15th, thirteen Brawley Union students took part in the Imperial County Office Of Education’s 2024-2025 Art Festival at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse. The event showcased student artwork in a gallery walk-style exhibit, allowing attendees to appreciate each piece up close before artists were judged on style, technique and difficulty.
This year, Brawley Union students excelled, taking home several awards. Senior Pahola Aguirre was awarded the Senior Overall Winner and 1st place in Best Overall High School Students for her oil pastel price. This piece featured her favorite artist Mon Laferte holding flowers. Aguirre's description of her work stated “She (Mon Laferte) is significant to me since my sibling and I have always bonded through her music. Mon Laferte has such an intresting music and artist style, which is what inspired me to create this painting”
Musical artists inspired other students as well. Senior Meirely Aispuro, captured three musicians. In her description of her work she stated “This work displayed administration for these magnificent singers and their music.
Additionally, Senior Carolina Salazar placed 3rd in the High School Division. Sophomore Valentin Gutierrez won the Best Drawing with his sketch of the Amazing Spider-Man. Two student drawings by Ashley Diaz and Laila Lopez were selected to be auctioned at ICOE Autumn & the Arts event in October.
Mr. Raymond Lopez, Brawley Union’s Art Teacher guided students in preparing for the festival, providing last minute details and advice. “These students have been working on this project for the last couple of weeks. I had one student decide between two entries, but she decided to move forward with this one and it did well tonight” said Mr. Lopez, “I’m just really proud of them”
Brawley Union students have performed well at the ICOE Art Festival, earning awards in the previous year. While also having received multiple awards from the Congressional Art Competition and exhibiting at the Pioneers Memorial Hospital Art Gala. Events like these encourage students to reach higher and develop artistic skills they truly enjoy.