Each month we spotlight a teen at CPL.
Alexis S.’s portfolio explored portraiture and human faces. One juror was so blown away with her vignette, that he suggested she create more from which to choose and edit in future portfolio submissions or gallery exhibits. Some felt Alexis’ work would make incredible posters and note cards too!
What made Alexis’ portfolio stand out included her exploration of identity and history through creative expression. We loved the organization of her work and the compilation of three eras of black history in America. A favorite of several jury members was the text with jail bars. Another juror believed the small vignettes of places/times indicated incredible maturity.
Not only Alexis’ art, but her personal statement exhibited great progression of emotional growth and skill – real human features, individuals with stories and historical connections.The 2016-17 Teen Winter Challenge Jury participants, detailed below, were thrilled to name Alexis the grand prize winner for the Young Artist’s Award, which meant she was awarded a $100 gift card to Blick Art Materials.
- Ade Abioye of Chicago Public Library's Teen Services Department
- Christine Bespalec-Davis, Education and Programming Manager at the National Veteran's Art Museum
- Hillary Cook, Assistant Director of Youth Programming at the Art Institute of Chicago
- Joel Javier, Education Manager at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
- Joshua Slater, Teen Programming Manager at Hyde Park Art Center
- Matt Egan of Chicago Public Library's Literature and Language Department
- Robin Willard of Chicago Public Library's Teen Services Department
- Sasha Neri of Chicago Public Library's Maker Lab and General and Information Services Department
