SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – San Dimas High School junior Peter Fang has won the California Art Education Association’s (CAEA) Banner and Flag program contest for his artistic depiction of California, and will represent the state with his banner on display at the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Youth Art Month convention in April.

Teachers that are members of the CAEA can submit their students’ artwork to CAEA contests; San Dimas High School art teacher Dominic Black, who is a member, submitted banners created by all SDHS students who wanted to participate.

“In my art classes, I always encourage my students to do their best and speak to their passions,” Black said. “Peter’s piece was truly wonderful – it was colorful, flashy, and depicted the California vibe beautifully. I am incredibly proud of him for this achievement.”

Fang created his banner with a mix of markers and fine liners, drawing his inspiration from what has made California into the state we know 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. “Winning the CAEA YAM is truly a huge honor because my artwork will be representing my entire state at the NAEA convention.”

Fang discovered his passion for art at an early age, when he found himself drawing as a way to express himself and let his creativity flow. He is currently in Black’s Advanced Art class, with plans to enroll in Advanced Placement Studio Art in his senior year.

In all of his art classes, Black constantly searches for opportunities for his students to apply and share their art skills in various settings, both through other 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. “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 CAEA will return Fang’s California banner to San Dimas High after the NAEA 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. Youth Art Month exists to recognize art education as a curriculum that develops citizens of a global society and to show that art helps students gain critical thinking and other life skills.

PHOTOS:

BUSD_CAEA1: San Dimas High School junior Peter Fang won the California Art Education Association’s (CAEA) Banner and Flag program contest using the principles he learned in Dominic Black’s Advanced Art class. Fang’s banner depicting California will be on display at the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Youth Art Month convention in April.

BUSD_CAEA2: San Dimas High School junior Peter Fang’s California banner was made with a mix of markers and white liners. Fang discovered his passion for art at an early age when he found himself constantly drawing as a way to express himself and let his creativity flow.