“I am very honored to be working with such a hard-working group of kids,” said Melissa James, an art teacher at Solar Prep. “As they have grown in their art, they have become more and more proud of their work. I am so grateful to see their talent pay off in such an amazing honor as being hung in the governor’s gallery.”
Elsa’s piece entitled “My Best Friend” was submitted as part of the Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition, an annual program coordinated by the Texas Art Education Association. This year, more than 170 art pieces were submitted by students representing 109 school districts across the state. Of those, only 14 were selected for the Governor’s Gallery, a prestigious showcase curated by the Office of First Lady Cecilia Abbott. The artwork will be on display for one year.
Elsa, her family, her teacher, and district representatives will be invited to a special end-of-year celebration in Austin to honor all selected student artists.
“Elsa was very polite and respectful in the early days when I was getting to know her. As she worked, her talent was coming out, and she was very coachable,” James said. “She listened and added shading or made something lighter if I suggested it. Her work began to stand out among her peers. She also has great leadership qualities.”
To view all artwork submissions, click here.
