Booker VPA students prepare for exhibit

Booker Middle School’s 2-D/3-D Advanced VPA Art Class held its first gallery night for friends and family Thursday, March 20. Deborah Herbert’s class of seventh- and eighth-graders found inspiration in Florida and focused on impressionism. Earlier in the week, students hung their work in the school’s Tornado Gallery. The paintings will be sold to raise money for the school’s VPA program.

Students share their experiences of learning about impressionism and painting with the Sarasota Observer.

Zaine Lodhi, 14
How did you feel about painting impressionism?
I generally don’t do impressionism. I feel most comfortable painting abstract and colors — whatever just spews out of my brain — so it was a new experience.

What do you like about your painting?
I like the way the colors are harmonious.

What have you learned through this experience?
I learned that impressionism is a lot more difficult, and I’ve learned about shading.

How long did it take you to paint this?
About two weeks.

Leah Mehtälä, 13
What inspired you?
I really like music, and I started to play the saxophone, so I painted a saxophonist. Also, I see a lot of street performers around Sarasota so I thought this was good for Florida.

What form of art are you most comfortable with?
I like pencil drawings and drawing more cartoonish things.

Are you looking forward to the gallery opening?
I’m pretty excited. I can’t wait for people to see the paintings. I also can’t wait to dress up. I’m thinking of wearing a red flower crown.

Yesenia Mondragon, 15
Why a rose?
I chose a rose because they are my favorite flower. I like that their petals are soft. When I painted this I made the petals bold.

How is this related to Florida?
Florida is a warm place with plants and flowers everywhere. Florida is a heartwarming place.

What is your favorite form of art?
I like to draw. I love drawing flowers; I try and challenge myself with drawing them. Lilies are the hardest to draw because of the freckles on their petals.

How are feeling about showing your work at the gallery?
I am kind of nervous. I want my mom to see my art and how well I’m doing.

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]