HS Honors Art Exhibit 2026 

#1

Teagan Kirby

SDSCPA

9th Grade

Teacher: Don Masse

"Base"

I created this piece using my iPad. It’s based on a zombie apocalypse theme for a comic I’m thinking about developing.

#2

Caitlin Gray

La Jolla High School

12th Grade

Patricia Cox

Untitled

This piece explores architecture in an abstract way, separating a three-dimensional space into three layers. Line weight and color are used to place emphasis on significant moments in the piece. This piece was inspired by architectural sections I saw when touring the Southern California Institute of Architecture.

#3

Destiny Hemingway

Canyon Hills HS

11th Grade

Teacher: Edward Moller

"Tyler"

I love Tyler the Creators music and his vibe. This was the first time working with a monochromatic theme in my work. Using all my artistic skills, I think this is an amazing display of my abilities.

#4

Oliver Jacobs

SDSCPA

9th Grade 

Teacher: Don Masse

"Going Home"

Going home-

Up the hill,

Round the corner.

Through the forest

tread the water.

Fight the cold,

The wind,

The murk.

But you’re almost there,

It’s just past the hill.

The soft glow,

The distant bright.

You’ll find the heat,

The warmth,

the light.

Because you’re almost there,

Or so you thought.

And as you pass the hill,

You find the light.

But it’s just out of reach.

Through more than water,

And higher than trees.

A lonely island,

A cliff in the sea.

But you dread the sea,

For it’s cold and quiet.

But you have to go home,

You have to reach land,

You need to find that soft glow.

The glow of a portal,

Bound to close.

To lead you home,

To tease your freedom.

So you swim the fields length,

Of oh so cold water,

Of icy toes and freezing fingers

And you get to the shore,

Of the lonely island.

And you climb the mountain,

You reach the cliff.

But your fingers are numb,

Your body is shaking,

Your breathing is labored,

And you're feeling heavy.

You reach up past the edge,

Climbing to land.

Stumbling to the portal,

The great bright glow.

Just as you get there,

As you reach home,

The portal is gone,

Teasingly closed.

You slump to the floor,

Against the cold stone arch.

You're barely alive,

And not even home.

#5

Nancy Phan

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Dee Parrish

"Human Nature"

I created this artwork to represent the cherry on top for this exhibition theme. The tree represents all the trees in my artworks, in their full form. As the backgrounds share warmth and cold emotions. Shown by the mask expressions.

#6

Savannah Slomba

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Dee PARRISH

"Emanate"

The feminine figure is placed at the center of the composition in order to captivate the viewer’s attention. The background is an elegant display of golden swirls contrasted with a dark purple base to represent the starlight energy that pervades the universe. The feminine figure is roughly sketched to show that she is a fabrication of the universe and that this human form is only temporary. The stark contrast of media and color is meant to catch the attention of the viewer. 

#7

Jordan

San Diego HS

10th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"Untitled"

It’s a boy playing guitar with three color hues. I play guitar which is my inspiration. The meaning is just meant to show the passion of something you love shown through the color radiating. I want people to be passionate about more things.

#8

Makenna McGlathery

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Dee Parrish

"Desert Garden"

Death is most often seen during the scorching day. While the life of a desert is most noticeable after heavy rains in the dark, where rocks and towering ocotillos are the nurturers of life with their necessary shade. These shade oases are a respite from the unrelenting heat, filled with flowers and life. The opposite of the dangerous slot canyons. 

#9

Andrea

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Self portrait 1"

I have always been a very sensitive person and often feel like I think with my heart rather than my brain. I have often felt lesser than and childish for my overly emotional responses and wanted to vent my frustrations at being seen as less intelligent for the way I express my emotions.This piece is meant to represent my connection to my emotions in a positive light and taking power from “thinking with my heart”. 

#10

Ava Pereyra

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Mr. Pray

#12

Gabriel Kevin Poquiz

San Diego HS

10th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"6 Surreal Dream Collage"

It was based on a real surrealist artist named Salvador Dali because he created a melted clock and a lobster phone. Plus I made it better than the artist I made with cut paper balance because it was based on 3 types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. I made it better with all the artists to make the biggest ultimate project with real color paper. 

#13

Ericka Hilton Rooks

SDSCPA

9th Grade

Teacher: Don Masse

"Peace of Mind"

I combined landscape elements from the San Diego/Tijuana region for this drawing. I used  charcoal pencils, white chalk, and vine charcoal. I picked these landscapes because i really like drawing nature-based charcoal pieces. I added the ball of the tijuana cultural center because of the randomness of it and how it contrasts with the texture of the bluffs. I used a darker piece of paper because i felt that it was easier on the eyes because i don’t like using too many bright materials.

#14 

Alix Dorvau

Canyon Hills HS

10th Grade

Teacher: Edward Moller

"Art Nouveau"

After looking at the art of Alphonse Mucha I was inspired to create a portrait of myself in his style.

#16

Lauren Magnuson

Scripps Ranch

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Keeping My Eyes on You"

This piece explored the saying, “I’ll keep an eye out for you” and how a seemingly friendly gesture can be twisted into mounting societal pressures to conform. It aims to convey how people are observed by countless others, represented by the variety of eyes. Throughout time, this pressure can cause a person to start to deteriorate a person, hence the sutures and staples keeping them together to continue their front.

#17

Chiaki Daniels

Canyon Hills HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Edward Moller

"Portrait"

Using oil pastels is one of my strengths as an artist. The idea of creating a portrait in the Art Nouveau style was inspiring.

#18

Grant Dougherty

Scripps Ranch HS

11th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"gasoline"

My artwork is about American nostalgia. This piece in particular is inspired by Edward Hopper's painting called Gas. Other works of mine have also been inspired by the style of Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell.

#19

Anna Hubbard

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Dee PARRISH

"Bloom"

For this artwork, I was caught by the idea of combining the traditional strictness of dance with the exuberant freedom of nature. I began with a base of a very geometric trellis gazebo and added the natural life of California I know and cherish. The ballet dancer is graceful and architectural, but is also draped in beauty. Ballet is an art that has traditionally been associated with beauty and suffering, and I wanted to show that sometimes dance can be the freest escape out there.

#20

Merrick Stroschine

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Winter Cascade Head"

This piece portrays Cascade Head, Oregon. The green grass gives a sense of peaceful liveliness, while the alder trees provide a counterbalance in color and literal liveliness. The scenic forested coastline gives the piece extended depth and contrasts with the modesty of the foreground. I found the frame in my grandpa’s barn and sanded off it’s original black paint, revealing beautiful natural wood which I finished with oil.

#21

Mira Domingo

SDSCPA

9th Grade

Teacher: Don Masse

"Another World"  

I made this piece of environmental concept art using digital media, which is Ibis Paint X for the painting and Adobe Firefly for brainstorming ideas.  The idea behind it is that I tried to create a look of a futuristic era with environmentally friendly technology. The big purple tree is a holographic-type tree that still works just like a regular tree, except it lives forever.

#22

Sadie Sin

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Perfect to the Tea"

#23

James Wiliams

SDSCPA

9th Grade

Teacher: Don Masse

"Early Bird"

This drawing was meant as concept art for an animated series retelling the events of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. I wanted it to feel cartoony and comic-like. It features my character, Bobby, a goblin paperboy who loves his job. Here, I've drawn him getting up extra early to meet his quota at the printing press. The illustration seems joyful, from the character's expression to the warm beams of sunlight on his mattress. This contrasts with the more sinister elements in the shadows: a newspaper warning of impending war, and a poster that suggests the printing press may not be treating its young employees quite right. These elements are hidden as a nod to the fact that Bobby is trying to ignore the darker things going on around him.

To create this concept art, I began with a quick thumbnail, then went digital for my sketch. I used one-point perspective, placing the vanishing point behind my character's head so that the lines in the drawing would all be angled towards his face, the work’s primary hook. After testing out a few color pallets, I refined my sketch and printed it out to ink on cardstock. Back on my tablet, I laid down a dark base in shades of blue, then added yellow highlights to create a complimentary color scheme."

#25

Jua Kim

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady
"Weightless"

The painting is inspired by my personal struggles with falling and staying asleep (insomnia). Thus, it conveys the peace--the "weightlessness"--associated with sleeping. The blue theme seeks to embody serenity while the whale represents the surreal beauty of dreams. 

#26

Patricia Nguyen

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"The Gift of Motherhood"

I was heavily inspired by Armenian culture with their strong family values. I wanted to convey the beauty of motherhood by illustrating an Armenian woman with her son. Regardless of her tired expression, she still looks happy and holds him close. Motherhood can be difficult, but it should never be taken for granted.

#27

Wren Binger

Scripps Ranch High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"No Applause"

My piece was heavily inspired by the fear of clowns. Growing up, many kids fear clowns, and the piece is supposed to mimic a haunting portrait that might be hanging in your grandparents' house. I wanted the piece to be left up to the interpretation of the viewer. If they feared clowns, they would find it eerie, and if not they would just wonder why the clown is sad.  

#28

Ellie Huang

Scripps Ranch High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Papercuts"

This piece was inspired by self-harm caused by personal and outside conditions. The hands are purposefully similar to encourage curiosity, questioning if the pain is from internal or external influence. I’m hoping my art doesn’t promote any negative emotions, but instead spark new ideas and perspective to the audience. 

#29

Sophie Backus

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Medusa"

I drew inspiration from the story of Medusa, a narrative often misunderstood and misrepresented, with Medusa frequently cast as the villain. The black Sharpie lines symbolize the traditional, binary way the story is typically told, clear, stark, and simplified. The use of basic shapes enhances this effect, allowing the piece to be easily interpreted from a distance. In contrast, the painted section invites the viewer to look more closely, emphasizing the importance of examining stories in greater detail. It serves as a reminder that narratives are rarely as simple as they appear and that shifting perspectives can dramatically change how we interpret them. Medusa’s forward gaze is intended to confront the viewer directly, encouraging a moment of connection and, ideally, evoking empathy for her and the tragedy she endured.

#30

Andrea Paez Medrano

Crawford High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Brian Black

"The Forest"

 I was inspired by old fairytales I used to watch when I was younger. In which made me want to convey a mysterious and dark sense to the artwork.

#32

Erick Gamboa

La Jolla High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

"Architectural Aspirations"

This edited photograph sets off a path for future designs. The passageways reflect a choice in direction. Developments on the horizon can lean more toward a radical, dream-like concept or follow a more traditional, standard path.

#33

Jessica Rodriguez

La Jolla HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox 

"Lets take a picture"

Every time I go out to eat with friends we always get pizza, its our go to food and comfort food and the center of every hangout and itaking pictures of the food before we eat it to capture the memory is the most crucial thing we need to do because it captures the memory and goes to show food brings us together.

#34

Emy Rubio

SDSCPA

9th Grade

Teacher: Don Masse

"Lost in Time"

I made this piece by using two pictures and layered them together,

then proceeded to erase the picture that was on top to show the picture behind, but I kept the bridge so it looks like a path. I then added clocks behind the bridge as if you’re going through a time portal or “lost in time”. I also wanted to portray an Alice in Wonderland/Coraline theme to make this piece.

#35

Lance Lin

La Jolla High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

"Drawn To Nature"

My artwork shows the possibility of what cities can do to create a healthy environment for both birds and humans. I also highlight how urban areas can be thoughtfully designed to support environments where people and birds can coexist, demonstrating how our cities can be safe havens for all. This piece serves as a hopeful reminder that progress and preservation can go hand in hand, embracing nature rather than replacing it.

#36

Tiffany Le

Scripps Ranch High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Ann Brady

"A Feeling Shared by Strangers"

This piece is supposed to represent being stuck in the past. The inspiration came when I caught myself antagonizing an incident from years ago when I came across it in my scrapbook. I was regretful of what was said and unspoken, and being deprived of any hypothetical memories that could have been formed in the years to come. I wanted to relive a time I thought was better, though at the same time, I could not remember what I was so fond of exactly. Whether it’s grief or nostalgia, when time moves forward our memories become hazy and we can only really remember the feeling of being there, not anyone’s faces, not the details, but only that it’s worth something. 

#37

Manuela Moncayo Rodrigues

Point Loma High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Mr. Wells

"To Whom Do I Cry?"

The faceless deity depicted as Virgin Mary, a motherly and wise figure, we might look forward to when going through life and its challenges. It becomes harder, though, when we catch ourselves questioning our entire existence and the meaning of life, tending to discharge our sentiments and struggles into images we judge as sacred, inquiring into its omnipotent existence and effects over humanity. Why so much pain and distress, and why is life so hard sometimes, when we didn't ask to be born as 'sinners'? I want to cause mild confusion while also evoking comfort, the lamb portraying innocence, while the unknown (is she even real?) motherly figure holds it tight as a form of consolation. I want people to embrace their questioning and sensitive side with no religious guilt whatsoever. 

#38

Leo Miller

Point Loma High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Sean Wells

"The Consulate"

It is based on urban decay in my neighborhood, buildings once full of other people and working tech left abandoned and desolate, slowly fading into obscurity and eliciting strange feelings from those who still enter these places.

#39

Camille Peters

La Jolla High School

10th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

"Wonderland"

The artwork is about stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland. I wanted to highlight key elements and objects about the story and the surreal aspect of it. I also tried conveying this idea by drawing the objects from the animated movie as real objects, instead of copying the objects from the live action directly.

#40

Julie Ballivy

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Dee Parrish

"Between Worlds" 

Between Worlds reflects how humans and nature exist in an intertwined balance. The figure drifts beneath the water, symbolizing the tranquility found in acceptance and the calmness of surrendering to natural forces. Flowing patterns echo the movement of water and human breath, highlighting how nature mirrors our inner world. This piece suggests that by aligning with nature’s constant motion, we find balance and serenity. It encourages viewers to embrace stillness and transformation, recognizing that true harmony comes from understanding our place within the natural world.

#41

Nevaeh Saunders

Point Loma High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Sean Wells

"A Different She"

This piece is about self-perception and how it really can trick your mind. It is slightly based on the saying "you are your worst critic", which is a normal thing to go through, especially going through high school. You never really see the same you that others see, and that can make genuine confidence hard to achieve. 

#42

Morse HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Laura Stauffer

#43

Nicolas De Guzman

Morse HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Laura Stauffer

#45

Lorenna Liang

Crawford High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Brian Black

"The Regrowth of a New Beginning"

The lotus flower is the meaning of passion love, and regrowth in relationships. The meaning of the flower coming out of the lotus is the growth of a beautiful relationship. This painting represents the continuous new beginning of a beautiful, passionate relationship between people as the flowers bloom every year

#47

Leonardo Janolino

Lincoln High

11th Grade

Teacher: Jessica Rogawski

'SandPox"

This piece encapsulates my existence—my aesthetic, my personality, and everything in between. I dedicate this piece to my personal growth as a creative, embracing both the imperfections and the skills I have acquired over the years. Each subjects reflect different facets of my individuality. 

#48

Djoezer Hulke,

Mission Bay HS

12th Grade

Dee Parrish

"The Heart" 

With this artwork, I wanted to continue the idea of defining the body itself as a vessel for wanting more. The heart represents the same childishness that is locked away in the mind, but is exploding out of the chest in want. I used a cool-toned color palette for the body, and used a few warm colors besides the center star which represents childishness as warm, bursting, and wanting. The woman is used to depict myself floating in life.

#49

Dax Eaton

La Jolla HS

11th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

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#50

Victoria Cervantes

Crawford High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Brian Black

"fear over faith"

This art piece represent how you may have fears but if you have faith and courage to overcome that fears and adversities you can do what ever you want because you're being brave. It represent my fears with an octopus and my courage with a lion because it the king of the jungle, it's the want that have the control of all the things that happen.

#52

Kyra Berest

La Jolla High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

"Skeleton Jeans"

 I made these jeans inspired by anime (Tokyan Ghoul). I was also very interested in developing my talent in jeans, so i decided to combine drawing and sewing at once. 

#31

Brian Hentges

La Jolla High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Patricia Cox

"Lost Highway"

Half of it was a test on shadowing and texture, and the other half was a test in atmosphere. That sense of having no general sense of direction, but in the moment you don't care. Whether you arrive or not, it doesn't matter. At least you're just driving along...

#53

Angel

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"The Heartbeat of Balboa"

The Heartbeat of Balboa captures a moment where nature, architecture, and motion converge in one of San Diego’s most iconic spaces. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Balboa Park, the image uses the rushing fountain as a metaphor for life and continuity, pulsing beneath the historic California Tower. The interplay of light, water, and silhouette evokes a sense of nostalgia and quiet wonder, inviting viewers to pause and feel the rhythm of the park. It’s a visual love letter to a place where history breathes and beauty flows.

#54

Andres Hernandez

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"Pantagruel's Solitude"

Nature is the main thing that inspired me, mainly the beauty and how everyday we pass by nature and not realize its beauty. When I took this photo it gave me a feeling of solitude. I was able to see my own life from the reflection of the water and how it’s made me view life.

#55

Sadie Sin

Scripps Ranch High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Anne Brady

"Perfect to the Tea and Reflecting the Future"

The first artwork is about a women showing her true self through her feminine personality (Tea, pink dress, heels) and the second is about a women’s potential to be very successful if she keeps doing what she loves. Both are inspired by feminine attributes and female characteristics. The meaning behind both pieces convey a sense of self-love and loving being feminine/being a women to inspire feminism across all genders.

#56

Magda Correia

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"Sleeping Koala"

This is a photo of a koala at the San Diego Zoo, in their Australia exhibits. Koalas being nocturnal animals, it was more than likely that any pictures of koalas I would've taken that day would've been sleeping. While looking through my photos from that day this one stuck out to me the most. That was because of how the sun light was hitting the koala, as well as how you can see the koala gripping onto the tree branch, and resting its self against the tree. What I wanted to convey in this photo was just the beauty of these animals, and how gorgeous they are

#57

Aliyah Bryant

Lincoln High School

11th Grade

Teacher: Jessica Rogawski

"Sittin’ Up In My Room"

My artwork is mainly inspired by a song by Brandy called “Sittin’ Up In My Room”. In this piece, I just wanted to kind of convey the vibe of the song, both with the style and the color. My art style is inspired by my favorite series Soul Eater. I personally think of that art style as comforting, and I think it makes a good addition to the vibe I’m going for.

#58

Ava Pereyra

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

Patrick Bateman American Psycho is one of my favorite movies of all time. I wanted to illustrate someone with a very intense expression. This picture came to mind. I want others to really feel the look on his face.

#59

Rainey Williams

Point Loma High School

12th Grade

Teacher: Sean Wells

"THAT'S WRETCHED"

This drawing is about rage, inspired by rage, and is meant to convey rage, with a bit of hatred too. There is no background out of spite. 

#60

Sonia Ochoa-Jimenez

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"Reflection"

I really enjoy taking photos of small things and this pony is about the size of my palm.  I had  used the mirror for a photography assignment and then I started to wonder what it would look like if I put a toy on top, so I went over to the shelf near by bed and grabbed this pony.  I loved the blurry look of the reflection which had been unintentional at the time and ended up being a pleasant surprise.  The photo being in black and white adds to the curiosity of it and I rather like that about it the most.

#61

Henry Boyle

San Diego HS

12th Grade

Teacher: Eric Pray

"Between Two Ferns"

This piece is a photograph taken of Mayor Todd Gloria at the grand reopening of the Botanical Gardens in Balboa Park. While walking through Balboa I searched for photo opportunities. Eventually, I reached the Botanical Garden and happened upon a large vibrant crowd. Their inspiring energy drew me in and I captured this shot; a bystanders view of a joyous and prideful moment in a man's life. Unaware of the scope of resources and time needed to complete this grand reopening, a simple smile-a display of joy and passion-shared with me more details than could be communicated by any amount of words.