CMK VAPA Art Jury Semester Finals

I didn’t know what to expect- while I had a lot of fun. This experience was a career first for me.

I feel like many moments prepared me for this- to see young highschoolers that care about art in very similar ways that I used to; I saw the same energy that carried me here to California to chase my dreams.

I saw that they heard my opinions with open ears and High Hopes; surprising, considering the reputation of young adults and their ability to listen. I didn’t expect to relate to them as much as I did sitting on the other side of the table…
Judging high school student finals, reminded me that I never want to leave the realm of being critiqued, and I never want to lose the ability to talk about other people’s work meaningfully.

In the beginning of my career at my community college, I went to every visiting Art talk, every museum opening and every show on campus. I love the literature and vocabulary that surrounds fine art, I love the principles, I love the challenge of talking about work that needs work; and I can’t tell you how lovely it was to feel like I had the opportunity to make an impact or inspire other people to choose art.

A special thanks to @cmkvapa and @molliemo1112 for inviting me✨☺️”

-Instagram @embersforge by Ember de Boer