Pinnacle Charter School’s Art Program continues to elevate student creativity and real-world readiness through meaningful, hands-on experiences. This year, high school students had the opportunity to design and present original artwork in a professional-style gallery exhibition—an experience made even more impactful by a panel of alumni judges who are actively pursuing careers in the arts.
The exhibition, which held its grand opening on April 28, brought together student artists, families, and community members to celebrate the creativity and dedication of Pinnacle’s young artists. While the opening night was a success, the gallery remains open for those who would still like to experience the work on display.
What makes this event especially unique is the involvement of Pinnacle alumni who returned to support and evaluate the next generation of artists. This year’s judges included Eddy Rascon, a tattoo artist and fine artist; Antonela Ortiz, currently attending art school at CCD; Connor Mercer, who has contributed to hanging the art show over the past two years; and Natalie Martinez, who is exploring her path toward art school. Their feedback provided students with authentic insight from individuals who once stood in their shoes and are now navigating creative careers.
The PAW Art Program is built on a strong foundation of community, mentorship, and excellence. As Laura Hahn, who leads the program, explains:
“Pinnacle's art program is focused around a single idea; we seek to enhance the lives of our students every moment they're with us and every day of their lives in the future. Everyone involved in our program is part of a large and varied family; we cultivate a community that is compassionate, driven and values each individual. Those students who pursue careers in the visual arts benefit from instructors who are not only experienced teachers but also professionals in what they teach. We are perpetually focused on being the very best and have designed methods tailored over decades to produce award-winning artists and designers. Our students work with industry caliber technology and materials at no cost and enter careers and college vastly more prepared than their peers. Graduates who pursue careers outside of the visual arts leave us as critical thinkers with problem solving skills, grit, confidence in their ability as learners and relate to people very different from themselves. Those of us involved in Pinnacle's art program are grateful to be part of something exceptionally special.”
Through opportunities like this exhibition, Pinnacle continues to demonstrate its commitment to preparing students not only as artists, but as confident, capable individuals ready to thrive in any path they choose.
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El Programa de Arte de Pinnacle Charter School continúa elevando la creatividad de los estudiantes y su preparación para el mundo real a través de experiencias significativas y prácticas. Este año, los estudiantes de preparatoria tuvieron la oportunidad de diseñar y presentar obras originales en una exhibición tipo galería profesional—una experiencia aún más enriquecedora gracias a un panel de jueces compuesto por exalumnos que actualmente desarrollan carreras en el mundo del arte.
La exhibición, que celebró su inauguración el pasado 28 de abril, reunió a estudiantes, familias y miembros de la comunidad para celebrar la creatividad y dedicación de los jóvenes artistas de Pinnacle. Aunque la noche de apertura fue todo un éxito, la galería continúa abierta para quienes deseen visitar y disfrutar de las obras.
Lo que hace este evento especialmente significativo es la participación de exalumnos de Pinnacle que regresaron para apoyar y evaluar a la próxima generación de artistas. Los jueces de este año incluyeron a Eddy Rascon, tatuador y artista plástico; Antonela Ortiz, actualmente estudiante de arte en CCD; Connor Mercer, quien ha colaborado en el montaje de la exhibición durante los últimos dos años; y Natalie Martinez, quien está considerando asistir a una escuela de arte. Sus comentarios brindaron a los estudiantes una perspectiva auténtica de quienes alguna vez estuvieron en su lugar y ahora están construyendo carreras creativas.
El Programa de Arte PAW está construido sobre una base sólida de comunidad, mentoría y excelencia. Como explica Laura Hahn, quien dirige el programa:
“Pinnacle's art program is focused around a single idea; we seek to enhance the lives of our students every moment they're with us and every day of their lives in the future. Everyone involved in our program is part of a large and varied family; we cultivate a community that is compassionate, driven and values each individual. Those students who pursue careers in the visual arts benefit from instructors who are not only experienced teachers but also professionals in what they teach. We are perpetually focused on being the very best and have designed methods tailored over decades to produce award-winning artists and designers. Our students work with industry caliber technology and materials at no cost and enter careers and college vastly more prepared than their peers. Graduates who pursue careers outside of the visual arts leave us as critical thinkers with problem solving skills, grit, confidence in their ability as learners and relate to people very different from themselves. Those of us involved in Pinnacle's art program are grateful to be part of something exceptionally special.”
A través de oportunidades como esta exhibición, Pinnacle continúa demostrando su compromiso de preparar a los estudiantes no solo como artistas, sino como personas seguras, capaces y listas para sobresalir en cualquier camino que elijan.