Emma Jojo, 5th Grade, Richland Creek Elementary
"Peacock" by Emma Jojo
What inspired your artwork, and what does it mean to you?
My art teacher has a bird wall and encourages us to create different birds to add to it. I was inspired by the bird wall and my online art class when making this peacock. I like my artwork to be really colorful, and my favorite color is blue, so I added a lot of blue to the bird.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
I liked using the oil pastels because of how you can mix and blend the colors together. My favorite part was showing my teacher in the end because I was proud of my work.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I was really happy because I don’t usually show people my artwork, but now it can be seen by everyone at the exhibition. It made me feel really proud.
Emma Turner, 8th Grade, Leesville Road Middle
"Flowers of Fate" by Emma Turner
What inspired your artwork?
For my artwork that was selected for Gifts of Gold for Leesville Road Middle School, I was inspired by the use of the golden ratio in nature. I used the swirl-like shape of the golden ratio to paint various flowers. Using this naturally occurring shape meant that I could use my creativity to paint flowers that were appealing to me.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
I enjoyed researching the golden ratio and seeing examples of its use in nature. I was particularly inspired by the shape of a rose, and I also wanted to use all of the colors of the rainbow in my painting.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I felt proud and like my hard work paid off when I found out that my piece was selected for the exhibition.
Cydney Johnson, 12th Grade, Rolesville High School
"Her Hair" by Cydney Johnson
What inspired your artwork?
My artwork is deeply inspired by the variety and complexity of Black hair. I aimed to capture the beauty that I see in its many styles and textures without restricting myself to just one way of representation. Through bold and vibrant colors, I was able to communicate the joy and pride I feel from celebrating a powerful part of my culture.
Do you have any favorite memories from working on this piece or preparing for the exhibition?
My favorite memory from creating this piece was when I decided to pivot from wanting to create a traditional afro to a floral afro. I had been struggling to ensure I was properly communicating my message because something felt like it was missing. At that moment, I felt an immense amount of confidence and clarity, knowing I now understood the direction of my piece.
How did you feel when you found out your piece was selected for the exhibition?
I felt deeply validated and proud to receive this honor. As an artist, I can be hard on myself and the things I create so being recognized for my work reassured me that the effort and care that I put into my work is being seen and appreciated.
Pieces of Gold
Gifts of Gold is a visual component of Pieces of Gold, a performing arts event that features over 1,000 students performing in a packed auditorium of parents, teachers, and community leaders in the Memorial Auditorium at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
This year, Pieces of Gold marked its 43rd anniversary, while Gifts of Gold will celebrate 33 years of artistic excellence!