NEWMAN—The walls of the West Side Theatre are alive with creativity as the Third Annual West Side Student Art Show opens its doors, offering a showcase of remarkable student talent from Patterson, Gustine, and Newman schools. The juried exhibition brought together K-12 student artists and celebrates the region’s vibrant arts programs.

According to Renee Stearns, ceramics teacher at Orestimba High School, the show originated three years ago when Newman’s superintendent initiated a meeting between art teachers from Patterson and Orestimba High Schools. That conversation sparked the idea of a juried art competition specifically for West Side students. “We often get grouped with Modesto and Turlock schools since we're in the same county,” Stearns explains, “but we felt our local arts needed better representation.”

While many of the showcased pieces were completed as class assignments, some students devoted months to their projects, refining them outside of school hours. The resulting artwork spans multiple mediums, including painting, ceramics, photography, and digital design. “There's no set theme this year, but for some reason, cats are well represented,” Stearns adds with a smile.

One of the most unique aspects of the show is its inclusivity. From budding kindergarten artists to seasoned high school creators, students of all ages participate, inspiring a lifelong love of visual arts. “We hope this exhibit creates enthusiasm for art and encourages students to continue honing their craft,” Stearns says. “Having the show close to home also allows more families and community members to experience and appreciate the incredible talent we have right here.”

An awards reception was held Thursday with the winners announced. A panel of esteemed judges—Kari Thompson, Catherine Crinklaw, and Amy Bultena—evaluated the entries, while superintendents from Patterson, Newman, and Gustine personally selected recipients for their Superintendent Awards.

This year's Best in Show was awarded to Blake Bautista for his piece, The Couple. Other standout winners include:

• Newman Superintendent Award: Blake Bautista (Manessa Memories)
• Patterson Superintendent Award: Jeovany Alvarez
• Gustine Superintendent Award: Samantha Marnnetti (The Vanishing Self)

The exhibit features artwork from a wide range of participating schools, including Patterson High School, Sacred Heart School in Patterson, Yolo Middle School, Orestimba High School, Gustine High School, and all Newman elementary schools.

Additional winners across categories are:

Elementary School Winners

K-2 Art:

1. Natalia Rodriguez
2. Willow Stokes
3. Ellery Galloway
   Honorable Mention: Jay Shotwell

3-5 Art:

1. Sergio Estrada
2. Molly Chavez
3. Robert Jordan
   Honorable Mention: Angel Avelar

Middle School Winners

Middle School 3D:

1. Alicen Shaver
2. Victoria Gonzalez
3. Kyler Cordeiro
   Honorable Mention: Christoper Nougez, Pablo Avila, Lucas Fernandez

Middle School Digital:

1. Andrea Esquivez

Middle School Drawing:

1. Natalie Keller
2. Isabela Martinez
3. Jameson Kent

Middle School Painting:

1. Kenia Rodriguez
2. Aubrey Sandoval

Middle School Mixed Media:

1. Mina Mumun
2. Fredy Gozaga Sales
3. Sonia Artrea
   Honorable Mention: Sofia Medina

High School Winners

HS Beginning Drawing:

1. Amanda Perla
2. Shaday Araiza
3. Maile Morgan
   Honorable Mention: Serenity Schindler, Armando Garcia, Julietta Martinez

HS Advanced Drawing:

1. Mirzyah Valencia
2. Emmanuel Rangel
3. Armando Garcia
   Honorable Mention: Rory Shaver

HS Beginning Painting:

1. Amanda Perla
2. Selene Carcamo-Morales
3. Analynn Murray

HS Advanced Painting:

1. Liliana Berrera
2. Mia Hernandez
3. Maria Molina

HS Beginning Ceramics:

1. Gizelle Rubalcava
2. Alexis Tacardon
3. Carmen Funez
   Honorable Mention: Amanda Perla, Melody Suniga, Andrea Gonzalez

HS Advanced Ceramics:

1. Melissa Gallardo
2. Mariana Rodriguez
3. Jazmine Garcia
   Honorable Mention: Rajpreet Uppal

HS Beginning Digital/Photo:

1. Devin Hunt
2. Dayana Guillen-Rodriguez
3. Adolfo De Anda
   Honorable Mention: Ryan Scott

HS Advanced Digital/Photo:

1. Darian Alvarado
2. Ariann Chao
3. Coby Joseph

HS Beginning Multimedia:

1. Julietta Martinez
2. Aylin Castro
3. Angel Rosas
   Honorable Mention: Ashlyn Tovar

HS Advanced Multimedia:

1. Xiao Rivera