The Seattle Collegian

On May 6 at Washington Hall there was a visual and performance art show by teens and for teens. From 1 – 4 p.m. visual art and printed poetry was on display on the balcony; the main level had the opportunity fair, crafts and food, as well as pop-up live performances of dance, theater, music and poetry.

This event was presented by The New Guard: Teen Arts Leadership Society, the youth board at TeenTix. They not only guide TeenTix, but also learn about the inner workings of the arts community and receive mentoring. Learn more here.

Art photography by Tera Richardson.

Tera Richardson: “This collection of photos is more of [the] recent stuff that I have been working on, I’m currently working on my creative flow which is why I try to display my work!

“Someday I hope to go into the photography business, so getting started and getting my work out is really important!”

Art/photography by Carter Andrew Welliver.

Carter Andrew Welliver: “I have been considering becoming a professional photographer and would like to gauge the public reaction to my work. This will be a week before I have a show at Equinox Studios.”

Prog funk-fusion jazz band, Small Change on stage at Washington Hall.

Mosey Brown from Small Change: “These are original tunes by our band Small Change, a progressive funk-fusion group formed out of the Garfield jazz program. The six-piece group showcases a refined but adventurous musical ear with a constantly evolving sound.

“This group is pushing the boundaries of young independent music, exploring genres and influences rarely seen in the context of music education. We offer a complex but high-energy set that showcases musical innovation and hopefully inspires the creative ear of fellow young people.”

“Dawn of a Tempest” by Sasha Nelson.

Sasha Nelson: “I call my piece ‘Dawn of a Tempest.’ Drawn on 18′ x 18.5” mixed media paper, the mediums I used are charcoal and acrylic paint. The idea for the piece is that the woman is sitting peacefully, facing the storm of colors in fro[nt] of her with serene composure. I imagined that she was seeing something wild and turbulent, almost otherworldly, but i[n] the face of it she remained completely calm and confident. Through the piece, I wanted to convey this particular feeling to its viewers and inspire emotion [in] people through art.

“I know that everyone who has the chance to view my piece, and indeed art in general, is a different and unique person and that each has their own life experience that they carry with them. All I want to do with my piece is to inspire the feeling of tranquility in the face of adversity that was my intention for my piece [and what] I hope to conv[ey]. I would like my art to be displayed so that it could reach a multitude of different people and touch them, whatever experiences they have had and whatever hardships they have suffered.”

“Katheren” (portrait in the center), “Maya Lin was the FIRST woman to design a memorial on the National Mall” (Left), “Towards the Light” (Right) all art by Elan Ma.

Elan Ma on “Towards the Light”: “It’s important for this work to be showcased because there are many environmental consequences of our actions, and something as simple and common as driving a car can have detrimental consequences for other creatures on Earth. By showcasing this particular piece, I hope it raises awareness and helps people make more environmentally conscious decisions and help support organizations that protect endangered species – like the sea turtles displayed in my work – and protect the environment.”

Art/photography by Matt Lovestead. “beautiful but deadly” (center), “she’s lost control” (bottom right).

Pin making from magazine scraps.

The opportunity fair at the art show.

Gemini (bottom left), Aries (bottom right), Leo (top center), Scorpio (middle center) art all by Gaebriel Min.

Gaebriel Min: “Gemini, 2017, Illustration. Gemini was created in a 12 piece concentration of the zodiac. The two-faced nature of the Gemini portrayed as twins with a vibrant aura showing the enthusiastic and intuitive nature of the zodiac sign.

“This whole series features caricatures of color. Having that representation in an art exhibition creates a more inclusive experience for the audience.”

Poem by Silvia Nica.

Silvia Nica: “Young Love. This poem mimics the classic “Roses are Red” love poem, emphasizing how fresh, uncertain love is just as valid and universal as [a] love that has come before it. Since the poem is a nervous confession, it’s written with relatively simple language, as if the speaker doesn’t trust themsel[ves] to use convoluted phrasing without fumbling. It makes the poem seem closer to the speaker and real life. The reference to the “Little Boy Blue nursery rhyme is meant to highlight the innocent and naive tone of the poem; a foil the allusions to pain and love lost.

“Not all poetry is flowery and verbose. I think it’s important to step back and appreciate how we can say more with less. Like the gesture of giving someone flower. Many people say that “real poems don’t rhyme.” Personally, I’m a fan of rhyme schemes. They bring natural rhythm to poetry. This poem meddles with different quatrain forms. I know this poem isn’t the grandest or the most moving, but I think it’s touching in its simplicity and the trepidation overcome in its candor. I wanted to show in a quiet way that love, honest and flawed, can be young.”

Thank you to all of the teen artists: Jasmine, Bella, Shuchi, Jasper, Matt, Elan, Gaebriel, Sasha, Silvia, Tera, Grace, Carter, Rose, Amr, Mosey, RubyRose, Olivia, Madeline and anyone else who contributed! Thank you also to TeenTix, 206 Zulu and Washington Hall for the opportunity to experience art by other teens that are clearly on the cusp of futures full of more creativity.

Xo Sepia