Freshman Chloe Alzaga is beginning high school with artistic recognition from the state of Texas. Alzaga’s drawing is one of only 100 pieces selected to be part of the Texas Arts Education Association (TAEA) Youth Art Month Exhibit. 

On March 1-7, the 2020 exhibit will begin with a display in the Lower Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol Building and will continue on March 8-28 in the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

“The actual process for drawing my piece started with getting a picture of me, and I was in grayscale, so I could get the values I wanted. Then, I referenced the picture to draw it. I used watercolor pencils [to color my piece],” Alzaga said. “Originally, there were words on my drawing, but we decided to cross that out because it didn’t look nice. I decided to use water so it could look mellowed out.”

Success doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye. Hours of work and dedication are put into each piece to reinforce its deeper meaning. To do this, Alzaga received help from art teachers Teya Sherman and Shea Phillips.

“I created my piece during a very stressful time around competition in band, so I needed a way to express [my emotions],” Alzaga said. “Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Phillips have both been a major help to me. [Mrs. Sherman and I] are trying to find more contests to enter. We’re currently trying to put some of my pieces, along with the other students’ pieces, in the Texarkana Art Museum.”

For artists struggling with inspiration or technique, Alzaga encourages them to keep trying.

“If you want to improve your art, just keep practicing,” Alzaga said. “It may sound vague, but it does work. Even if you don’t want help, it’s still beneficial to seek [assistance].”

Alzaga has numerous goals she wants to accomplish before high school is over and leading into her future. Having art displayed in the Capitol is only the beginning of her dream.

“I definitely have more plans throughout high school to create [more art],” Alzaga said. “Next year, I’ll be taking painting so I’m looking forward to my art career, along with other things I’m passionate about.”