2025: Transforming Lives Through Education
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Iglesita que es lo que tú guardas?
Zuly Bustamente
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As an artist, I aim to make my work connect with the viewer and include who I am as a Chicana/xicanx raised in Tucson, AZ. It is important to me to convey my work as a visual exploration of my past experiences and ideas, providing a unique take as a Mexican American born in the U.S. My creative work reflects my experience as a woman, balancing cultural tradition with modern individuality. I challenge ideas about identity, age, and culture—particularly within communities of color—by creating works that are playful, expressive, and rooted in daily life. I explore how behaviors shift as we age and how cultural expectations shape identity across generations.Statement
Throughout my life, religion and my connection to it have been a topic that comes up more often than I wish it did. Being raised Catholic in a traditional Mexican home came with limitations that have impacted my life. As I grow and separate myself from this connection, I ask myself: little chapel, what is it you hold for me?
Get Stuck
Samantha Hansen
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My name is Sam, and I am 15 years old. I’m mainly a self-taught artist, taking help and inspiration from my teachers in art and technical theater during my high school years. I’ve tried many different mediums of art, but working with acrylic paint, colored pencil, jewelry, and digital is definitely my favorite. I like to draw things from my interests, but also around topics that may be insightful or eye-opening to happenings around the world. I hope to get into an out-of-state art college and make a name for myself, inspiring others.Statement
Get Stuck shows the enlightenment and passion someone may feel learning something new or familiar, creating a certain a-ha moment. In my piece, I wanted to convey how learning can be difficult, depicted by the spines of the cactus piercing through the pages of the open book, but also exciting and beautiful, as depicted by the erupting, glowing flower.
I illustrated the cactus as more of a figure of light to create a sense of wonder for the viewer, reflecting on the theme of education and how one's curiosity in something can lead to a rabbit hole of unknown interests. The sub-context of this piece represents how I felt learning about my mother and her cultural roots in a more formal education environment.
I chose a cactus to represent the deserts of Tucson. There was a disconnect between me and my mother because I did not live with her or see her often, so finding her in other aspects of my life was comforting. Being able to find that relationship in family made me more appreciative and aware of the importance of learning.