Two Breck students receive Gold Key American Visions nominations

The Breck community is excited to congratulate Catherine Hicks ’24 and Xaria Williams ’23 on their Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key American Visions nominations! Catherine and Xaria share below what it means to them to receive this distinction.  

Catherine Hicks ’24

What does it mean to you to receive a Gold Key American Visions nomination?
I’m really honored to receive this award. This was my first time submitting art to Scholastic. I didn’t have any expectations going in, so I’m just super excited!
 
Can you explain the process, creation, and intention behind your piece Jim Meek and Catherine Helen (pictured above)?
I wanted to create a mixed media piece of me and my grandfather in my grandparents home. The use of different media in the piece allowed me to reimagine the space in a new way and create a dynamic piece with bold color and pattern. 

How has Breck helped nurture and support your love of art? 
Starting with the joy-filled Lower School art program taught by Ms. Grams, Breck teachers and art classes have exposed me to so many different mediums and ways to approach art. I’m super grateful to all of my teachers for supporting me, especially Ms. Sagar who pushed me to submit pieces to Scholastic this year.

Xaria Williams ’23

What does it mean to you to receive a Gold Key American Visions Nomination?  
Receiving an American Visions Nomination is a huge accomplishment for me as an artist and as a woman in a very male-dominated genre of art. 

Can you explain the process, creation, and intention behind your piece Pensive (pictured above)? 
For my piece Pensive, I wanted a candid photo of my father that would emphasize his hair color, texture, and style. The background of this photo was intentional because of the contrast in the colors and textures compared to his figure. I really wanted to express a sense of curiosity in this photo as you see an expression of wonder on his face which makes the person looking at the photo also begin to be curious about what he’s thinking, hence the title Pensive.

How has Breck helped nurture and support your love of art and photography? 
Without Breck, I would not have submitted my work to Scholastic. Breck has truly inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things when it comes to art and photography.

Congratulations again, Catherine and Xaria! 

Click here to learn more about these awards.