Don Soffer’s Student Art Exhibition– It’s More Than Just Art

By: Remi Potack

Parents, students, and artists made their way down the long hall of Don Soffer’s first floor. Creativity and the fiery passion for art beamed off the walls, as they were filled with the phenomenal artwork made by students at Don Soffer High School. This was the night of Don Soffer’s Student Art Exhibition, on March 19th, 2025. It was a night to remember, and it truly captured the essence of Soffer’s innovative, out of the box kind of students.

(Potack, 2025)

After working diligently in countless art classes, clubs, and even the Art Honor Society, the student-artists were able to embrace their artwork and take pride in them. Each and every piece of artwork holds meaning and stories behind them: stories not only behind the art-pieces, but the artists themselves. 

Heart-Warming Words from the Artists 

Estavo De Faria, a senior at Soffer, delved into his views & values as a creator. When asked what inspired him to design his art-pieces the way he does, he responded: “I like to go against the typical artistic choices of using basic and often-expected colors. I choose to go against the basic color-norms, and do what feels right to me.” Estavo’s most favored piece, “The Great Wave” exemplifies this. He chose to make this piece black and white, rather than adding colors that he felt would take away from the depth of the portrait. Estavo also shared that what inspired him to pursue art as his hobby was his grandmother being an artist in Brazil, ultimately alluring him to follow his own artistic path. He feels that art makes him feel closer to his grandmother and his Brazilian roots. 

"The Great Wave"- Created by Estavo De Faria (Potack, 2025)

Similarly, another artist at the event, Miguel Maquez, shared that his flower painting was his favorite because it reminded him of the times he played in his garden with his family in Venezuela. The two artists illustrate how art can hold special places in one’s heart, and can mean much more than what meets the eye.

Crossovers of Architecture & Art

Another senior-artist, Isabella Saavedra, explained how her love for design and the constant desire to create has driven her not only into a path of art, but her career goal of being in architecture. Her favorite personal piece is the “Modern House” which she said, “represents a modern building in the middle of a desert, embodying how modern-day architecture is constantly evolving and surprising.” This portrait is the epitome of Saavedra’s appreciation for architecture, and continues to motivate her to achieve her goals. 

"Touch of God"- Created by William Lecuyer (Potack, 2025)

The talented Scholastic Art Award winner, William Lecuyer, shared that his pursuit of the art-field was rooted from architecture as well. He claimed, “My father is in architecture and taught me how to draw. This made me realize that art and architecture is what I am really passionate about.” Hence, his favorite piece of art that he designed is the “Touch of God”. This portrait exemplifies gothic architecture, a medieval European style that helped him connect people to God through his work. 

Wrapping Up the Night

Don Soffer’s 2025 Student Art Exhibition was an utter success, and would not have been possible if not for the magnificent student-artists at the school. Not only did the artists take the crowd’s breath away with their talent, but they were also able to be vulnerable and share the stories behind their work. It was a milestone for Soffer’s creative realm, and a huge stepping stone in the art-careers of the students.