Each March, the Maine Arts Commission shines the spotlight on youth artists around the state with a display of the best works from kindergarten through grade 12 at the State Capitol Complex. For this year’s student art exhibition, visual art teachers from schools throughout Maine submitted one piece of two-dimensional artwork that represented artistic excellence. The works showcase a wide range of ages, media and styles, with 45 students from 14 counties represented. Selected works are installed in various locations around the Capitol Complex, including the State House, the Burton M. Cross Building and the Maine Arts Commission office.

Two of the students were from Boothbay Region High School, junior Zada Smith and senior Lauren Barclay. Smith displayed her Japanese ink painting of fish drawn in black, gray and white. Barclay displayed a pen-and-ink self-portrait of her at age 13 hiking. Barclay also had a piece displayed at the Portland Museum of Art this month. She used 3-D components in producing a replica of Picasso’s Warnecke. BRHS art teacher Manon Lewis described both students as being talented and passionate artists. “I really loved the fluidity of Jada’s and the movement was beautiful,” she said. “I choose the work for submission by the way it looks and also for the passion displayed by the artist. Both Lauren and Zada have passion in their art and steadily work on their assignments.” 

Both artists enjoy how painting allows them to show their creativity and express themselves in a different way. Smith’s work derived from drawing some fish on paper which gradually expanded into her art piece. Barclay drew from a memory from her youth. “I don’t know why I chose to draw a self-portrait when I was 13. Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic,” she said. 

Smith has another year before deciding what her future entails. She is considering art school or possibly joining the Peace Corps. Art gives her a sense of expression and provides her with relaxation. “Art is very calming. It’s hard to explain, but it’s so different than watching TV or other stuff,” Smith said. Barclay enjoys traditional art, digital art and using pens and painting. “I definitely consider myself an artist,” she said. “Art helps me express myself without words which I’m not great at. So I express myself with painting instead.” Barclay is considering a career in zoology. 

The students’ art is on display in the State Capitol Complex through April. 

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