Winter in the United States and Canada marks the migration of the beautiful Monarch butterfly to Mexico. March signals the return of the swallows to Capistrano. Locally, May will bring the stunning sixth annual Art Showcase of Claremont High School advanced art students to the Village of Claremont.

This year’s showcase will open with an artists’ reception next Friday, May 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Claremont Community Foundation (CCF), located at 205 Yale Ave.  

A part of the CCF’s mission is to provide community outreach and to “promote and facilitate philanthropy through community leadership.” The CHS student art showcase provides CCF an opportunity to serve as a leader and partner to help create positive change in our community by highlighting the creativity of Claremont’s youth.

Sponsorships from Tim Harrison at Broadview Mortgage and, for the last two years, Bobby Hyde, by way of the Claremont Noon Rotary, cover the cost of the materials for matting and framing the student work in preparation for the students first “outside of school” exhibit to the public. 

The exhibition will include work from students in grades 10 through 12, representing work from those enrolled in advanced placement (AP) and advanced art (drawing and painting) and photography, AP computer graphics and International Baccalaureate visual arts. Visual arts includes several types of media, including sculpture, drawing, painting, photography and alternative media. 

CHS Art Department Chair Tamara Kirkpatrick and teacher Melissa Wonacott note that CCF is providing “real-life experience” for their students. And the showcase provides the community a window into some of the many artistic opportunities at the high school level. Some of the students will be participating for a second year.

“It’s nice to have a place to share our art,” CHS senior Madeline Helland said.

Melissa Lach, also a senior at CHS, is looking forward to the presentation of the students’ art to the community.

“The show makes you feel professional,”?Melissa said. “It’s so cool to have our work matted and framed, so everyone can see it. The opening night with the reception was so lively last year. And having community members asking us about our art, it’s just a nice way to celebrate our work.”

The work on display will not be for sale as the students will reserve the pieces to be included in their personal portfolios.

As you stroll through the Village during First Friday Art Walk on May 2, stop by the Claremont Community Foundation to help celebrate the hard work of CHS youth and the instruction of their dedicated teachers. You never know if you will be meeting the next Barbara Beretech, Milford Zornes, Albert Stewart or Karl Benjamin.

—Cynthia Cervantes McGuire