bearing his image as artists
Genesis tells us that “In the beginning, God created.” From the start, the Bible states that God is an artist, so is it any wonder that many who walk the earth bear His image as an artist? From photography to graphic design to sculpture, pottery, paint, charcoal and more, artists across the globe continue to share their gifts with us through various forms of art.
At Holbrook Indian School (HIS) there is no shortage of artists. A great number of our students are incredibly gifted in the arts, and it has been such a blessing and privilege to witness the level of skill and excellence that flowed from their fingertips this year. Our graphic arts teacher, Mrs. Importante, hosted an art exhibit to display their talents schoolwide. Parents and family members were also encouraged to attend.
On April 15, students and three staff members showcased their work during the first-ever HIS art exhibit. Students experienced firsthand the effects that their creativity has on others as they watched fellow students and staff bid for their pieces during the silent auction.
The program began with opening remarks from Mrs. Importante, as well as a few students, sharing why it’s important to develop the gifts and talents we’ve been given by our Creator. Selected staff served as judges for the artwork and together collaborated to decide which awards students received in each category. However, there were two students who stood out among the group. Marina, a ninth-grader, earned the Artist of the Year award, and Leo, a junior, earned the People’s Choice Award as well as the Distinguished Artist award.
Truly, each work of art was a masterpiece because each artist put their heart and soul into it. When we think about the effort and thought that an artist puts into their work, and when we consider Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (NLT)—we gain a better understanding of His great love for us.
At HIS, we take great effort to encourage our students to recognize the gifts and talents they’ve been given, and where possible, we help them consider those gifts as part of the decision process when choosing a college or trade school to attend after graduation. In His knowledge and care for our hearts, God gave each one of us the ability to represent Him through our gifts and the mark He left on us as co-creators and co-artists with Him. Let’s remember that when we find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering what may be His next step for us.
