Creativity took center stage as Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) celebrated the artistic achievements of its senior students at the annual Senior Art Showcase, held at the Norma Hertzog Community Center. More than 60 student art projects were submitted for exhibition and professional adjudication, with 14 students earning Best of Division honors for their outstanding work.

Started at Costa Mesa High School (CMHS), the showcase has grown to include students from all NMUSD high schools, whose art is displayed publicly and judged by professors from the prestigious Laguna College of Art and Design. 

“The Senior Art Showcase is one of many opportunities to celebrate our students’ talent. We bring student work to the public and connect our students with professional artists. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to show off what they’ve learned in our schools,” said Teacher on Special Assignment Tamara Fairbanks.

CMHS’s Emma Rocha’s “Silver Platter” was awarded Overall Best in Show at the opening night reception. Also recognized that night were:

• Best in Animation: “My Friend the Zombie” by Eulalie Hedoux, Corona del Mar High School (CdMHS)
   
• Best in Photography: “Untitled” by Ella Knox, Newport Harbor High School (NHHS)
   
• Best in Digital Art: “Untitled” by Natalia Millan, CMHS
   
• Best in Digital Illustration: “Ichor” by Bella Rose Alama, NHHS
   
• Best in Painting, Oil/Acrylic: “Untitled” by Jamo Finney, NHHS
   
• Best in Drawing, Graphite/Charcoal/Ink: “Wet Air” by Mathew Vargas, CMHS
   
• Best in Pastel, Chalk/Oil: “Stage Light” by Este Yurada, CMHS
   
• Best in Printmaking: “Untitled” by Gracelynn Cazier, CMHS
   
• Best in Watercolor: “Ballerina” by Emma Rocha, CMHS
   
• Best in Mixed Media: “Rot Nip” by Danny Pintor, CMHS
   
• Best in Cermic, Sculptural: “Lost Stone Child” by Simon Marquez, CdMHS 
   
• Best in Ceramic, Thrown: “Deep Sea” by Evie Jorgensen, NHHS
   
• Best in Ceramic, Functional: “Pipsqueek” by Francisco Dominguez, CMHS
   
• Best in Ceramic, Non-functional: “Una Tuna” by Dani Lopez, CMHS

Photos of additional artwork are available for download at no cost in our photo repository.

Representatives from the City of Costa Mesa and the Orange County Department of Education were also recognized for their support of the district’s expanding arts programs, as guests sampled appetizers supplied by local restaurants. “From parents and small businesses to local leaders, everyone has played a role in helping us create meaningful opportunities for Newport-Mesa students. It's this kind of collaboration that truly drives our success," Fairbanks said.     

Building on this momentum, the NMUSD All District Art Showcase is scheduled for May 13 at the Doyle Pavilion at Orange Coast College. These celebrations of student creativity underscore the district’s broader commitment to the arts.

As the district continues to grow its arts offerings, events like the Senior Art Showcase stand as powerful reminders of the importance of community partnerships in nurturing student talent. By investing in the arts, Newport-Mesa is not only cultivating student expression, but it is also fostering a culture that encourages students to pursue their passions with purpose and pride.