Sarasota Middle School Student’s Art Showcased at State Capitol Building

From Sarasota County Schools: Artwork by a seventh-grade student at Sarasota Middle School is being displayed in the state capitol building in Tallahassee. Anna Lazzara’s painting, an abstract depiction of musical instruments, was delivered to the capitol building by State Sen. Greg Steube and will hang in the capitol during the 2017 regular legislative session, March 7 through May 5.

Art in the Capitol is a statewide visual arts competition for students in grades six through eight, administered by the Florida Department of Management Services and the Department of Education. Each school district in Florida holds a student competition annually; the works are judged in December by a statewide committee of high school art teachers whose students have not submitted items for consideration.

Asked about her inspiration for the subject of the painting, Lazzara said, “I have a passion for both the performing and visual arts. I included a wide array of colors to express the way I feel when I listen to music. I’m very proud to share my piece with our state government officials and happy to be able to show my love for art, while representing Sarasota Middle School!”

Sarasota Middle School principal Janel Dorn and Lazzara’s art teacher, Brooks Tracey, are excited and proud.

“I’m so impressed with Anna's work and her passion for artistic expression,” said Dorn. “It’s so incredible what our students can do and the level of talent they display! It’s a special honor for our young artists to have their work displayed at the capitol. Programs like this encourage our students to pursue their creative interests. Special thanks to our dedicated teacher, Mr. Tracey, for supporting our students.”

Tracey said, “All my class projects incorporate learning about an important art movement, developing artistic skills and exploring practical applications of those skills for future careers. For this particular project my students studied Cubism and the philosophies and styles of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Anna really feel in love with this style and went above and beyond the project requirements. Her piece is a modern adaptation of a classic style.”

He adds, “As both an alumnus of Sarasota Middle and a faculty member here, I’m honored to have one of my student’s works represent Sarasota County in our state capitol. It’s an honor to come to work every day and work with such talented students.”

Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Schools