New Tech artists' work on display in Redding

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: Two members of the community view the digital photography and fine art pieces created by New Tech students on display at Redding City Hall.

Redding City Hall is currently featuring an array of art from various artists. Anderson New Tech students are also being showcased in the Art in the City Winter 2010 show.

With their mix of digital as well as fine art, the talent of the students is evident. Many people passing through City Hall on the Cultural Cruise Jan. 29 were impressed by students' art and the City of Redding for offering city hall up as a venue to such culture.

"I think its fantastic. I was raised here and I'm real excited about the face that they are getting art out there," said Jan Cameron, an artist being featured on the second floor.

According to Cameron, she was able to enter the show the first time she submitted. For a long time she thought the show was limited to just one-dimensional pieces, but a friend informed her they took sculptures as well and she entered the show.

Cameron had to time to view other artists in her area on the second floor, which is where the New Tech student art is being showcased.

"I'm so impressed by the talent of our students and to put them on display like this is fabulous," said Cameron.

She wasn't the only person to hold that opinion.

"I love it and love the feel that they are emphasizing art at New Tech, I thought it was mostly technology," said Alice Wilkinson, who was out on the Cultural Cruise with friends.

"I'm always overwhelmed by the talent of our youth and their willingness to put themselves out there, it takes a lot of self-confidence," said Sally Wells, who was also participating in the Cultural Cruise.

According to Michelle Boydstun, a teacher at New Tech, this is high school's second year in the show. She said New Tech has really grown in their art offerings. Students can take a more traditional approach to art with pencils, charcoal, and paints, or use modern technology like computers and cameras to create amazing and powerful images as well.

Many teachers from New Tech came to see their student's art on display, proud parents could be seen walking up and down the hall viewing the art as well as the young artists and their friends.

According to Dylan Amos, a senior at New Tech and artist behind the work Azure Reflections, this art show is the first one for him.

"I can stretch my art work, it feels good to have my art work on show," said Amos. He added that he isn't an outgoing person by nature, that he usually keeps all of his art to himself, but he's hoping with this experience it'll help him become more outgoing.

The 20 students featured in the show include Amos - Taylor Andrews, Nolan Brace, Hannah ain, Lily Gibbons, Chelsea Girtler, Mathew Jones, Ash Joyner, Taylor McElroy, Paige Pearson, Mickayla Stulir, Noah Townsend, Laura Victoria, Amber Bullington-Ayars, Kat Cox, Tori Dick, Anijlee Gifford, Misha Hethcoat, Mary Kelman, and Sophia Romero.

Some of the pieces are available for purchase through Greg Lockett 365-3100. The student's artwork can be seen until May 15 at the Redding City Hall and the east side of the second floor. For more information about Art in the City, go to www.reddingart.com.