Two AP art Students at Sturgeon bay have recently been recognized for work that they’ve done this school year. Adolfo Arvizu is a senior at SBHS, and fellow artist Makayla Ash is a Junior, and both already have an elaborate portfolio.
Arvizu was a late bloomer in the art department, but surely not a late bloomer in art. Arvizu joined the department late last school year. Arvizu is no rookie to drawing, but credits this last year and his art teacher, Nicole Herbst with helping him grow as an artist.
Herbst says Arvizu is a late discovery, but a blessing to the program. Arvizu’s most recent accolades stem from a charcoal piece titled, “My Father,” which was a result of a school project that entailed doing something that embodies his culture. He took a picture of his father, who serves as his inspiration and as a figure of his culture, and strapped on gloves and created an observation piece.
Arvizu loves drawing, but has a particular affinity for charcoal art. Adolfo’s piece won the Wisconsin Art Education Association Governor’s Choice Award, and the Youth Art Month cash award for March. The piece also won the WAEA Northeastern Regional Show Charcoal Award.
Arvizu would like to carry his artistic ability with him, as he is thinking of going to an architecture program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Afterward, he’d like to transfer to Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and learn more about the interior design aspects. MIAD has offered Arvizu a sizable Merit Portfolio Scholarship.
Makayla Ash is a Junior at SBHS who has also seen her passion and hard work pay off this year, accumulating several awards. While it may seem routine, she still gets surprised to receive such accolades, and shares in jubilation with her art teacher.
Ash’s acrylic painting, “Lady with Koi” was a WAEA choice for the cover of “Art Times” magazine and won the WAEA Chair Award at the Youth Art Month state art show. The piece also won a silver key at the Scholastic Art National Contest, as did her pastel piece, “Billie," which also won a cash prize. Her acrylic piece is currently her favorite, as she has put a focus on displaying the strengths and diversity of feminine beauty.
Ash aims to empower others with her art and show that there is beauty in all women regardless of imperfections.
Ash has looked into a variety of art and design programs, specifically looking at architecture and design. She says she’s inspired by how her art has impacted those close to her.
Ash's award-winning piece, "Billie"
