The Orange County Arts Council continues its tradition of creativity and confidence with its annual “Arts Build Confidence Showcase.” This event highlights the work of young artists from High Schools and Middle Schools across the region. Their mission is dedicated to “building a vibrant and diverse community connected by the transformative power of the arts.” They believe art inspires, heals, and unites, a philosophy displayed at this year’s showcase.

Art as a confidence booster
Pine Bush High School student Caitlin Conklin exhibited her piece, Sweet Treat, inspired by a cupcake she had the night before. “Food was a central theme in our class projects,” she said. When asked how art builds confidence, her mother stepped in to explain how her artwork brings joy to others. “Seeing people appreciate her work helps boost confidence in all aspects of life.” Caitlin also added, “It makes me hungry.” Caitlin explained it took her “weeks” to complete the piece.

Encouraging schools to participate
A representative from the OCNY Arts Council explained that the council actively reaches out to schools, encouraging student submissions as a means of improving confidence in student artists. However, some schools do not respond due to other academic demands. The council hopes to motivate both students and faculty to send in these submissions, bringing recognition to the talent within schools.

The Impact of Public Art Display
Lotus Do, a former educator at the National Academy School of Fine Arts and now an OCNY Arts Council board member, shared her perspective on the importance of showcasing student artwork.

“Seeing students elevate their feelings through art is an incredible moment,” she said. “Many of them feel professional for the first time, receiving validation in a way they never have before.” She emphasized that confidence comes from allowing young artists to talk about their work. With over 4,000 attendees expected at the showcase, students will experience the thrill of public recognition.

Student spotlights: creativity and confidence in art
Pine Bush High School student Erin Bell presented The Ocean’s Pearl, a layered art piece that began as a reinterpretation of Princess Ariel. As she worked on it, she was inspired to transform the character using accessories to elevate her look. Erin expressed that personal style—through outfits, earrings, and accessories, is a reflection of confidence.

Warwick High School sophomore Thelonious Kastan submitted a digital photography piece based on a school assignment. Using his SONY camera, he captured a flower in his yard in late September, later editing it to make the colors pop. “The way I edited it makes the flower stand out, I think it’s a way to display confidence.” Outside of school, he applies his skills to filming mountain biking and fast-paced sports, which he hopes to develop further.

Senior Theo Fisher from Monroe-Woodbury High School created Manikin Man, an ink-based piece focused on form. Inspired by his childhood interest in comic book writing, Theo channeled his passion into his artwork.

In addition to the visual arts, high school theatre groups also took part in the showcase, showing performances that highlighted storytelling and acting abilities.

Valley Central’s ceramic showcase: from vases to animals
Students from Valley Central High School had a display of ceramic pieces, creating vases and animal forms. Among them, Chris Brickley’s piece, “Metamorphosis,” as an interpretation of transformation from tadpole to frog. Tyler Lake’s “Tyler’s Vase” created a vase that had animal images similar to vases from ancient cultures. These ceramic pieces highlight an artform that, like all of them, take time, precision, and many tries.

A Celebration of Art and Growth
The Arts Build Confidence Showcase is an exhibition of young artists’ voices, creativity, and growth. The event provides a space where students can experience the thrill of having their work acknowledged by a larger audience, strengthening their confidence as they continue their journeys as student artists.