Multimedia Sculpture Teacher Kerry Grover chose Enya Hernandez (10) as this month’s artist.

“I feel good that someone noticed that I have a great talent,” Hernandez said.

One may perceive art as a beautiful painting or a complex picture.

Others may feel or look at it differently, but to some people it is a way of expressing themselves.

To Enya it is getting her feelings out on paper.

“I’m very close to doing self portraits, oil and canvas,” said Hernandez

Her major skills are working with fine arts. They get to work with different types of art. Some of the other things Enya has worked with are photography, sculpture, and pastels.

“Being successful and maintaining other school subjects and juggling what you love to do may not be easy,” Hernandez said. “I have been really into art since I was four.  My family inspires me because they really support me, [which] makes me keep going.”

Enya was chosen for two art projects. One of which is a still life project which she named “My Family is My Life”.

The other is an Alpha Hypno project which she decided to use letters for.

With her family by her side and her passion for art, she plans to continue art and go to Otis in downtown Los Angeles for college.

Someone’s alter ego is their alternate personality. For example, an introvert’s alter ego would be an extrovert.

Not only are the ATA students working on this project for a good grade, but they are also figuring out what kind of person they actually could be.

Richelle Pearson (11) describes the personality of her alter ego.

“Well, unlike my actual self, my alter ego isn’t even human,” Pearson said. “My alter ego is also a very disciplined person who works and trains body and mind daily.”

Pearson also gives tips on how to ace the project. She stresses the importance of originality.

“You need to be able to take your time and pay attention to the details in value and lines,” Pearson said. “The goal is to make it different from the normal you, but still recognizable as you.”

Art teacher Rachel Geiger mentions who came up with the idea of the alter ego self-portrait.

“The project is inspired by the work of two important female artists, Cindy Sherman and Annie Liebovitz,” Geiger said.

Both Sherman and Liebovitz are famous American photographers.

Juniors from the ATA program feel enthusiastic about the project because it helps them think about how their alter egos could affect them in the future.

Christopher Som (11) encourages students who are not in ATA to do the project just for fun.  It would give them a chance to see what they could come up with.

“I would say anyone can do it,” Som said. “Just make up someone they want to be or any type of stereotype or hero, and take a picture in that outfit and draw it.”

The alter ego self-portrait is one of the most sensational ATA projects of the year.

However, there will be more pieces of artwork showcased by the ATA students coming soon in the year 2012.

There was even a little bit of stand-up comedy from our hosts Jeremias Corona (12) and Tye Harbert (12).

The notable singers that made it into finals include Jason Closas (10), who won the singing category, Alexandra Davalos (11), the runner-up, and Chelsea Chavarria (11).

The most astounding dancers were Jessica Bennett (11), the winner of the dance category, and Dance Club, the runners-up. Great bands included Somewhere on the Front Page and the winners of the band category, Streetlights.

The runner-up of the night for acting was Chelsea Alexander (12) and Brandon Unzueta (10) was the winner.

The miscellaneous winners were GAS (Gloves and Shuffling) Club for their outstanding light show along with a little shuffling, and the runner-up Daniel Peraza (9) for his rapping skills.

Many of the competitors had fun, regardless of win or loss.

“It was the best day of my life. I had so much fun and can’t wait for next year’s show,” Rizza Braga (11) said.

Despite some technical issues with sound and lighting, the individuals that participated in the show were definitely a sight to see and a sound to be heard.

Later, Drama Club will be selling a DVD of the talent show for $20 for those who missed this show that will last  for years to come.

Geiger had assigned an art project consisting of a clay pot made entirely out of clay coils that represent a design or a trend that inspires. Tia’s art really stood out of the other pots and had been chosen.

“Art is the way that I express myself,” Smith said.

One of Tia’s friends recommended Geiger’s class to her. She said that art was really fun and there were nice projects, so Tia decided to join.

Now she really enjoys art and wants to continue art throughout her life. This was Tia’s first year in Gahr’s art class and she was very inspired by this project that she put her heart into.

“I might want to do a major in being an art teacher,” Smith    said.

She is one example that even though you do not like something, if you try, it you may realize your talent in it. Whether it is art or any other subject, trying new things helps you figure out what you like.

Tia got her inspiration at home from her mom who can help relate to her art.

“My mom is very artistic so she can relate to my art,” Smith said.

Inspiration is everywhere so do not give up and maybe you can make something out of what you did not try.

“Knowing that this is something I’m good at, I want to pursue a career in the art field.”

When she tried art she never thought that she would end up liking it.

Even though this is her first year of doing art at Gahr, it has impacted her in a way in which she would want to continue art in  college.

“Well, I think the students get very close to one another cause the majority of them have multiple classes together. But I would have to say that ATA is more than just a program it’s a bond with these kids,” Kincaid said.

ATA itself is a very diverse and open program that has great potential and many opportunities to offer.

“I believe that ATA will help us with our future because we’ve learned all types of aspects of art,” Jesus Bermudez (12) said.

This program is more than a class. To many of the students it is a bond and much more.

“It’s a super amazing program, I can’t believe they didn’t have this in middle school,” Guadalupe Gonzales (9) said.

Art is a great escape and to some, it is the perfect way to express themselves.

“I express myself by sketching and painting… really whatever comes to mind I write it down on paper,” Terrell Frazier (10) said.

The ATA program is served by the government and is designed for students who want to pursue art in their future, either straight out of high school or after college. There are more than 200,000 reasons why you should pursue your dream in arts, so why not start now?