Caroline Gentile, 5th Grade, Heritage Elementary
"The Wondrous Ocean of Eloquence"
What inspired your artwork, and what does it mean to you?
Many ocean videos, I’ve watched many different things about the ocean and what is in it. I really wanted to show the ocean’s beauty, and because of this, I love this piece dearly.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
When my friends and I were making our pieces in class, one of my friends made this octopus thing which inspired me to make it a friend. After drawing my octopus, we laughed about how his looked really angry.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I was very excited, it was the first time that my artwork was going to be the only one displayed from my school. I was also really proud of myself for the fact that I’ve seen many different people’s artwork that I thought were great, so I can’t believe mine was the one that was selected for this year's Gifts of Gold.
Harshithaa Haribabu, 6th Grade, West Cary Middle
Woman In the Wall
What inspired your artwork, and what does it mean to you?
I've never drawn anything that realistic before and wanted a challenge. When I was drawing, I took more time after class to finish. I really wanted to finish this piece. I used materials I have never used before like drawing pencils, a makeup brush, and Q-tips to make the image look as realistic as possible.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
My favorite part was sending update pictures to my mom and best friend for each step.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I felt excited for the exhibition. I was happy my classmates enjoyed my artwork. It was posted on social media, and I received a lot of appreciation for it.
Lisania Cruz Celestino, 12th Grade, Willow Springs High School
Xerophyte
What inspired your artwork, and what does it mean to you?
As a first generation Mexican American, I was able to draw a lot of inspiration from my heritage and personal experiences. I chose to depict a cactus in my piece because they are a symbol of strength and resilience in Mexican culture. In a way, I see myself in this plant because despite all the adversities and challenges I faced in my life, I still managed to push forward. This piece is very bittersweet to me because I believe it captures my tenacious and stubborn nature but also the emotional distress I feel as a result of it. Beneath the thorns that grow out of my body, there is vulnerability and raw emotion that I chose to hide in fear of being seen as less capable.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
My favorite memory of this project was the moment I stepped back and saw the finished product. I spent countless nights creating this piece and I am happy that my hard work has paid off. Completing “Xerophyte” motivated me even more to create new art and test my capabilities. Taking in the sight made me realize how far I’ve come as an artist and how much more time I will be dedicating to continue to pursue art.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I was really excited to hear that my piece was being selected for the exhibition! This is the first time my art has been submitted and recognized by Wake County’s Gifts of Gold. I feel very honored to be able to participate. I’m really looking forward to the art display and hope to have many more artistic opportunities in the future!