Snap for Castro Valley’s poetry and art show

CVEF and CVUSD hosted a Poetry and Art Show at the Castro Valley Library on Saturday, April 28. Several middle and high school students participated by submitting original poems and matching artwork.

The event was held in one of the exhibition rooms of the library. Welcoming remarks were made by MCs Daren Wilkerson and Anne Parris. Poetry awards were given and then the audience listened intently to the creative words of each submission and observed the minute details of all artwork during the poetry readings.

CVEF’s chairperson, Winda Shimizu, was delighted at what a success the show became. “The Poetry and Art show is a collaboration of teachers and students,” she explained. “The main idea is that students will write and express themselves through writing and illustration.”

First place winner Noelle Leong was one of the many students who showed her passion for expression through writing and art. When asked what she loved most about writing poetry, she said, “I feel like I express myself best through written words. It’s more of a creative process than expository writing.” Leong won $100 for her poem, “Let It Be,” which discussed the beauty of simplicity.

The Olympian’s own sophomore Lily Carrell won second place for her submission entitled, “Blank” followed by senior Di Tran’s “Clutter Mind.” Honorable mention was given to Thien Nguyen for “Country.”

“Art and poetry are such powerful forms of expression,” Tran explained. “I love how art embodies emotions that cannot be expressed in words while poetry does the opposite. By combining both elements, a unique and even more compelling message is created.”

“The artwork and poetry were exceptional,” Shimizu said. “The judges had a big challenge selecting the top students because of the array of amazing work. CVEF is proud to sponsor activities like this that promote the art and creative writing of our students.”