Young Eyes, Talent on Display at Local Art Show

In many ways, the teenage years are about self-discovery and self-definition. The and recently came together to encourage local teens to explore these pursuits through art with the first-ever teen self-portrait art show at Edina Art Center, featuring work done by Edina High School students. 

With 70 young artists participating, the portraits represent a variety of identities done in a variety of mediums, from photography to painting and mixed media. 

The gallery's opening reception featured live music from up-and-coming local favorite (and teenager himself) . Romens, a 2010 graduate of Edina High School, serenaded the crowd with both covers and originals, sold copies of his debut album Aware for $10 and generally added to the atmosphere of teen talent.

Edina High School senior Maria DePesa and juniors Justin Moran and Thea Zerbe curated the art show, an undertaking which proved both challenging and inspirational.

“I have a new respect for curators of art shows,” Zerbe said.

Moran collaborated with Zerbe and another student, Emily Maenner, on his self-portrait, “Pressures,” a mixed media piece in three parts, which took second place at the show. But while his art garnered praise, Moran expressed a newfound interest in the behind-the-scenes work of the art world.

“I see a future in curating art and being more involved,” he said.

The Young I’s exhibit will be on display through March 23. Every single piece submitted to the show was accepted and displayed.

“They were all so wonderful, we wanted them all,” Moran said.

Though everything was accepted, they were still judged by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Youth Coordinator and two members of the Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council. Best of Show went to Jason Swenson for his acrylic painting, “Color Study.” Award-winning artists received gift cards donated by area retailers Triarco, Wet Paint, Penco and MCAD Art Cellar.

“This show is the community coming together," DePesa said. “It was a big collaborative community process.”

Nicole Mills-Novoa, outreach coordinator at Edina Art Center, worked with DePesa, Moran and Zerbe to produce the show. Mills-Novoa expressed awe not only at the talent of the participating artists but at the support the show received from area residents and businesses.

“I was just so blown away by how the community came together to make this happen,” she said.

The City of Edina has also declared March Youth Art Month, mirroring the national month of recognition.

Mills-Novoa noted that, at a time when arts funding is being cut on the national level, “something like this is really important.”

Through March 23.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.