Art is something meant to convey an idea or a thought or to draw out some sort of emotion. It plays a major part in the lives of many Santa Fe teens who are able to express themselves while doing something they are passionate about. There are teens involved in every type of art and every day they pour their hearts into it.

"It's easy to fall in love with performing on stage," said Santa Fe High sophomore Eryn Hays. It's not surprising Hays loves performing. She has been acting in plays since elementary school and spent her middle-school years at the Santa Fe School for the Arts. She is now involved in Santa Fe High's musical-theater program.

Many teens say the best thing about art is that it can be whatever they want it to be. Whatever the reason, plenty of teens in Santa Fe are dedicated to the arts. Many of them are so talented that their work leaves the rest in awe and even causes others to look upon them with envy.

Mason Dowling, a Santa Fe High sophomore, said he likes art class because it's a place where he can be creative.

Throughout the year, Santa Fe teens make use of their creativity by putting on art shows and performances at their high schools and partaking in poetry slams and workshops all over town. Warehouse 21, the teen arts center in the Railyard District, is a place where many teens find a creative outlet in the arts.

The Young Curators program at Site Santa Fe, next door to Warehouse 21, was founded in 1999. It currently has 11 participants. Joanne Lefrak, the Site Santa Fe youth curator, said that the program offers workshops for involved teens. Teens can also learn how to curate and organize art exhibitions.

Art isn't just something that hangs on a wall — it includes everything from poetry to theater and music to dance.

Santa Fe High sophomore Rachel Czmyrid said her favorite thing about the arts is the opportunity to be an indivdual. "You get to express yourself," she said, "and everybody has a chance." Czmyrid took part in her middle-school drama club and is now a participant in Santa Fe High's musical theater.

Czmyrid and Hays were among the dozens of performers in Santa Fe High's musical showcase. The performance was so successful the school is considering putting it on again as an encore.

Everyone has the potential to excel at something artistic, and it seems plenty of Santa Fe's teens have already tapped into that potential.



Victoria Velarde is a sophomore at Santa Fe High School. You can reach her at tori@
velardenm.com.