Student Talent Showcased at Winston School's Festival of the Arts

Never in a million years did Zoe Jordan think she would see her artwork in the spotlight. But that’s exactly where the 16-year-old Winston School freshman finds herself as the local college prep school plans to host its 10th Annual Festival of Arts on May 16. Jordan’s artwork is the centerpiece of this year’s marketing campaign for the annual event.

The talented artist, who is in her first year of attendance at the Del Mar school that caters to kids with learning differences, has been drawing since she was in kindergarten. The acrylic piece entitled “Lost In Reflection” was a month in the making and completely different from anything she has put on canvas before.

“This feels so unreal,” she said about her painting being singled out. “Art is everything to me. It has taught me to express myself and see beauty everywhere.”

Jordan cites the Winston School program as being a turning point in her artistic evolution. This is no coincidence: Art is central to the teaching process at the school as it is used to teach literacy to students with various learning disabilities.

“Students with learning differences compensate visually,” said art instructor Dan Peragine. “This can allow for the incorporation of special aptitude as well as allowing literacy actualized through imagery.”

The program also allows students to develop an inner voice, validate their opinions and express their feelings. All of which amounts to enhanced confidence.

In young Jordan’s case, art has enabled her to deal with the complex emotions she has found challenging over the last few years. “I feel so much more connected to everything when I’m working on my art projects,” she adds.

Through the program, students work on a variety of art forms including mixed media, acrylic paintings, ceramics and paper mâché. They also study artists from history as well as develop their own creativity.

Van Gogh has had an influence on Zoe’s style since she was in fifth grade, according to Peragine. “His style lets the viewer look a reality with a new perspective and how the artist sees the world,” he adds.

“His work has so much texture and emotion,” Jordan chimes in.

Jordan’s painting along with that of other Winston School students will be on display during the 10th Annual Festival of Arts on May 16th at the Winston School at 215 9th Street in Del Mar from 2:30-5:30 pm. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information contact the school at 858-259-8155.