Community members from all walks of life gathered in Foothill’s quad on a warm Friday night to admire students’ art, bid on any of the work created during the Chalk Festival, listen to live music and eat tacos. Every year, Foothill’s art and photography students put their pieces from the year on display at the annual Art Show.

Grace Morrison ‘18 had five pieces in the show, each comprised of either watercolors, pencil or acrylics. She focused on creating her art as close to the reference photos as possible.

Morrison was very excited to showcase her art to her peers. “Not that many people know I’m into art so this is a way that I can show some of my interests,” Morrison said.

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The bands Liberty Hell and Nucklehead performed throughout the night, along with soloist Lorenzo Alexander ‘17 on the guitar and keyboard.

The performance was Alexander’s first time going solo, as he usually plays in the band Grrls. He performed original compositions and two covers.

Alexander said his performance was “phenomenal,” even despite the fact that he “messed up” and there are aspects of it he’d “like to change.”

Alexander said that “it’s inspiring to see how much talent is around.”

While the majority of students’ artwork was displayed and strewn throughout the quad, the concentration by Jessie Snyder ‘17 was presented in teacher Jennifer Kindred’s room with a warning sign for mature content.

About a year ago in Portland, Ore., Snyder was involved in an art camp that shifted her perspective on art. While in the camp, she felt “it was easier to be myself,” which has directly translated into what she creates now.

As Snyder is a large advocate of “a woman exploring her sexuality,” she created a collection inspired by “what girls do that’s not talked about, and so that included periods [and] masturbation.”

Snyder was very pleased by the positive reactions she received for her art. Teachers on campus “encouraged me to continue doing my art.” She said she was amazed by how accepting the community was because she thinks her art “wouldn’t necessarily be accepted” at other schools.

Snyder’s art was deemed inappropriate for the family event by art teacher Justin Frazier, and she agreed with him.

Frazier didn’t think it would be right to prohibit Snyder from exhibiting her art because she “is making this art that is true and honest, and she’s doing it for herself.” However, he didn’t want people to be uncomfortable at the family event.

Frazier and Snyder came to the conclusion of placing her art in a teacher’s classroom with an artist’s statement describing her work.

Nonetheless, Frazier said, “it’s kind of sad that I have to do that. It should be something that’s more open, but I’m proud of Jessie for doing work that’s true and honest.”

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This year, a fewer amount of students submitted more pieces into the show. Fortunately, Frazier believes that “the artwork actually looks better” because he has “some really talented students.”

Frazier said that the joy and excitement he sees on the students’ faces who put the show together when they see everything come together “is definitely the best part, especially this year.”

Editor’s Note: Jessie Snyder and Lorenzo Alexander are staff members on the Foothill Dragon Press. They were not involved in the production of this article in any way.