The California region of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards received more than 1,784 submissions this year. Fifteen of our Upper School students received awards for 27 pieces of art. A panel of artists, art educators, and other art professionals selected these pieces as the best works submitted by teenagers throughout California, excluding Los Angeles County, which is its own region.

Gold Keys were awarded for the highest level of achievement on the regional level, and the works have been forwarded to New York for national judging. Our Gold Key winners include Claire Giffen '12, photography; Karen Ko '14, mixed media; Lily Patterson '14, photography; and Lauren Staples '14, mixed media.

Silver Keys were awarded for works worthy of recognition. Winners include Katharine Garcia '12, drawing; Lily Patterson '14, photography; Meghan Henderson '13, mixed media; Francesca Flores '14, photography (2); Aaryn Fleming '14, photography; and Claire Giffen '12, photography.

Honorable mentions were awarded to works demonstrating artistic potential. Our standouts include Tiffany Song '12, drawing; Lauren Mendoza '15, digital art; Charlotte Johnston-Carter '14, sculpture; Jocelyn La Chance '14, painting; Francesca Flores '14, photography (7); Claire Giffen '12, photography; Sheldon Perry '13, photography; Valerie Hooper '13, photography (2); and Claire Bozzo '12, photography.

Many of the pieces submitted to the Scholastic competition were on display this month at the “Thinking Out Loud” exhibit at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts in Carmel. More than 15 students presented their artwork for the show. This exhibit by Monterey County high-school artists represented a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and photography. A reception was held on March 10, and the exhibit is open to the public throughout the month.

"Christina" by Claire Giffen '12