San Dimas student wins statewide art contest
San Dimas High School junior Peter Fang has won the California Art Education Association’s Flag and Banner Program contest for his depiction of California, and he will represent the state with his banner on display at the National Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month convention in April.
Teachers who are members of the California Art Education Association can submit their students’ artwork to the association’s contests. San Dimas High School art teacher Dominic Black, who is a member, submitted banners created by all San Dimas High School students who wanted to participate.
“Peter’s piece was truly wonderful — it was color- ful, flashy and depicted the California vibe beautifully. I am incredibly proud of him for this achievement,” Black said in a news release.
Fang created his banner with a mix of markers and fineliners, drawing his inspiration from what has made California into the state it is today.
“I wanted to depict major icons of what California is now known for, largely focused on our history of pop and fashion,” Fang said in the news release.
Fang is in Black’s advanced art class and plans to enroll in Advanced Placement Studio Art in his senior year, according to the news release.
In his art classes, Black searches for opportunities for his students to apply and share their art skills in various settings, through competitions and extracurricular projects.
“I absolutely love teaching high school students and gaining insight into who they are as a person through their art,” Black said in the news release. “I think our students’ work should be celebrated and that we should share their achievements so other kids will be encouraged in their artistic expression.”
The California Art Education Association will return Fang’s California banner to San Dimas High School after the National Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month convention. Black said he hopes to hang the banner in his classroom to inspire current and future students.
Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts that includes student exhibitions, public artworks, art festivals and school events that raise awareness and support for arts programs.