ABQ Times

The Albuquerque Museum is hosting the "Focus on Youth" exhibition, which features the work of high school photographers and filmmakers from Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). The juried student exhibition opens on May 4 with a free reception from 1 to 4 p.m., along with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. It is a collaboration between APS Fine Arts Department and the museum.

The exhibition includes nearly 100 pieces, showcasing students' talents in various techniques such as silver print and digital photography, along with art books and digital films. Students have the opportunity to present their work in a professional museum setting.

Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of the exhibition, saying, “This is an opportunity for the community to witness the creativity and vision of the next generation of local artists as they take their first steps into the professional art world. Focus on Youth highlights the power of arts education to nurture the expression, innovation, and confidence of young adults across our community.”

The selection process involves APS art teachers submitting student artwork, which is then assessed by a jury of professional photographers and filmmakers. The chosen pieces are prepared by a team of art teachers and students, then installed by museum staff.

Elizabeth Becker, Albuquerque Museum Curator of Education, expressed pride in partnering to elevate student work. “Albuquerque Museum is proud to be a partner in elevating the works of student artists to the Museum where they can be viewed and enjoyed by a wider community,” she stated.

Karen Mazur, an art teacher at Albuquerque High School, remarked on the anticipated impact of the exhibition. “The student work that you will see in Albuquerque Museum is full of compelling stories and beautiful imagery. So much imagination and heart went into these pieces that viewers will come away feeling a little bit more optimistic about our shared future,” she said.

This exhibition is supported in part by the Albuquerque Museum Foundation.