SAA Student Wins Diocesan Christmas Card Contest
30 Oct, 2024
St. Agnes Academy is proud to announce that Sarah Juarez (’26) is the winner of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis Christmas Card Contest. Her artwork was selected by Bishop David P. Talley and Bishop Emeritus J. Terry Steib to be featured on the cover of their joint Christmas Card which will be distributed to approximately 1000 recipients.
Students in grades K-12 from Diocesan schools around the city submitted art based on the theme “Nativity…the celebration of Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem.” Sarah’s piece, created with watercolor paint and pencil, is a beautiful depiction of the Holy Family.
Upper School Art Teacher Mrs. Ginny Crittendon was overjoyed at the announcement: “Sarah is an incredibly talented young woman. She often chooses unexpected, complex compositions to challenge herself. She has won numerous awards for her art, yet she remains humble and is always willing to help and share her knowledge with others. Not only is Sarah talented and bright but she is also a wonderful person of the highest moral character. She is a joy to teach, and I look forward to seeing more of the beautiful artwork she creates in the future.”
We asked Sarah a few questions about her interest in art and her experience in the SAA Art Department and this is what she shared:
How long have you been interested in art?
Since I can remember, art has always been a part of my life, even if it started out just drawing on my dolls or my face. I think of art as another level of communication, where I can draw how I feel instead of expressing it vocally whenever feeling overwhelmed or without the proper words. Art allows me to sort my thoughts out calmly and process my emotions more clearly.
How do your art classes at SAA help you grow as an artist?
I have been able to explore many mediums and play with different styles, all helping me find myself in my own art. I love the environment of the classroom, the closeness I feel with my art class, and the comfort the teachers bring me. SAA has also helped with the exposure of my art through competitions and exhibitions. Not only have I improved as an artist, but my knowledge of art materials and history has also evolved.
What activities are you involved in at SAA?
I am a member of the Calliope staff (the student-run literary magazine), the Canstruction team, and the STEM Club. I am also a Junior Class Officer (Event Coordinator), a member of the student ambassador leadership team, and a member of the Hispanic Student Organization.
Your artwork was chosen from numerous student submissions throughout the diocese - how does that make you feel?
It feels humbling to be chosen. This moment is important not only to me, but also to those who have been through the process with me, especially my mom, my art class, and my teacher, Mrs. Crittendon. I’m so grateful that my art has warmed the hearts of others, and hopefully more when it's posted on the magazine. Although the artwork is quite simple, it’s about the intimate moment between the Holy Family that is encapsulated, meek and tender.
In addition to the Christmas card distribution, Sarah’s art will be highlighted on the cover of the December issue of Faith West Tennessee, and she will be featured in an article. Her artwork will also be spotlighted on the CDOM website and social media accounts. Congratulations Sarah! We are incredibly proud of you!
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