A Crystal Ball

As any fortuneteller will confess, the crystal ball will not tell us that our tall dark stranger will walk through our front door on February 14th at 5 p.m. and sweep us off our feet in everlasting bliss.

But there are often signs of what is to come. Often we can know something of what lies ahead on a particular path if we look closely at what surrounds us. Looking thoughtfully at the present can open a vision for the future.

Spring exhibitions assemble selections of student artwork that encompass explorations in many media: painting and drawing, clay and sculpture, photography and computer generated graphics. Commonly, much student work is assignment driven. Yet even with prompts and set parameters – the choices made of subject or theme, of color or tone – the individual voice can still be heard.

In wonderful array of images and materials, young art speaks volumes. It speaks of self-examination, identity, anxiety, exuberance, struggle, energy, and concern for the social good. It speaks of a hunger for justice, a thirst for connection. It speaks of young artists looking deep within themselves and also remaining steadfastly engaged in their community. It speaks of a willingness to be vulnerable and also a readiness to remain strong.

Young artists give us a privileged glimpse into the future.