Pacifica Stories

Take a glimpse into the creative world of this year’s Winter Art Gallery: Illumination Cafe! Our visual arts teachers and students have spent the greater part of the school year preparing for this installation at the professional gallery space in the Santa Monica Water Gardens. The gallery holds over 100 pieces of artwork represented by over 70 student, faculty, and staff artists. A team of 17 student curators, and a core group of eight, have been meeting before school on Friday mornings since August to plan out the gallery– they not only dreamed up the theme and event, but also made, juried, transported, installed, organized, mounted, and labeled artwork.

Opening night was an exciting evening where students, families, friends, and staff gathered to enjoy the Illumination Cafe. Guests moved through the space to see all different types of artwork, from drawings and paintings to sculptures to photography and more. Some students represented in the gallery are seasoned artists, while others began their art journey just this school year! 

Later in the evening, our three arts teachers presented the annual Winter Art Gallery awards. The Photography Award, presented on behalf of Mr. Anderson, was awarded to senior Andrew Grinsfelder. Mr. Vandermade presented the Emerging Artist Award to junior Sage Ervin. Junior Jordan Clouse received the 3D Award from Mrs. Liberty for her button sculpture. Sophomore Ava Cristobal won the 2D Award, also given by Mrs. Liberty. Finally, our guest juror, Naomi Stewart, an L.A.-based independent curator who focuses on identity, collective healing, and somatic ecology, presented the Curator’s Award to Shania Banks for her 3D sculpture. It was amazing to celebrate these young artists and recognize them for their effort and talent.

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Illumination Cafe! If you missed opening night, the gallery will be open every day this week from 11am to 1pm, and closing night is February 17 from 6-9pm.