When he draws and paints, Bishop Noll senior Antonio Magaña said he feels like he is in his own world where he can express himself through his artwork. Those talents earned him first-place honors during the annual juried high school art exhibit held earlier this month at Calumet College of St. Joseph.
Magaña, of Calumet City and a St. Casimir Catholic School alum, won best in show for his graphite on paper piece. He described the subject matter as first perspective of a person lying on the ground with an arm toward the camera. The piece took him about a month to complete using only pencil.
Noll art teacher Michael Carioto said Magaña is a hard working student.
"He dedicates his time wisely each day and asks engaging and smart questions. With his work, he is focusing on expanding his skills. Focused line work, deliberate value, and use of defining shapes is what made his work in the gallery stand out."
Magaña said after Carioto told him he won, he felt good about himself and his artistic talents.
“Mr. Carioto is all for the way I draw,” Magaña said. “He gives me a few tips that help me improve my talents and tips that help my projects that I have worked on and am currently working on.”
Magaña appreciates the support from Carioto, art classmates, friends and family and would love to continue to explore his talent as a hobby while he pursues a college degree in criminal justice.
"I hope that Antonio continues in art in some facet, because he is very talented and has a great eye for what can make a piece dynamic," Carioto said.