A Showcase of the Creative Artworks of SNS SPA Students (Grades 7-10)

Author's: Marielle Talagon

Princess Anna Mae Mañas

In the 2023-2024 school year, the students from SNS SPA (Special Program in the Arts) blew everyone away with their incredible creativity and talent. These young artists, from Grades 7 to 10, worked on a variety of amazing art projects that were not only beautiful but also showed how much they’ve grown as artists. Their artwork included everything from impressionist paintings to abstract sculptures made from old clothes, and each piece was a reflection of their unique style and imagination. Let’s take a closer look at some of the amazing things they created.

Picture Taken By: Kate Botorres

Impressionism Painting

One of the art styles the students explored was impressionism. This is where you paint scenes using bold colors and visible brush strokes to capture the feeling of a moment rather than focusing on tiny details. Think of it like painting the mood of a sunny day instead of trying to draw every single leaf on a tree. The results were vibrant, lively paintings that make you feel like you’re standing right there in the scene.

Picture Taken By: Marielle Talagon

Turning Paper into Pots

Another fun project was pot making using paper. Yes, you read that right! The students used paper to create beautifully shaped pots. It’s amazing how they took something as simple as paper and transformed it into art. This project wasn’t just about crafting—it was also a lesson in how you can make something awesome out of everyday materials. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.

Picture Taken By: Kristina Aguirre

Different kinds of Paintings

The students also created some stunning canvas, posters and illustration board paintings. These paintings are a traditional form of art, but these students made it their own by experimenting with different styles and subjects. Whether they were painting landscapes, people, or abstract designs, each canvas told a story and showed off the artists’ skills and creativity.

Poster By: Kate Botorres

Artwork By: Shirly Guldo Silvestre

Picture Taken By: Kristina Aguirre

Leaf Printing

In their leaf printing project, the students got a little closer to nature. They dipped real leaves in paint and pressed them onto paper to create beautiful, detailed prints. It’s a simple yet effective technique that captures the natural beauty of leaves while allowing the students to put their own artistic spin on it. It’s a perfect example of how nature can inspire art in surprising ways.

Picture Taken By: Kristina Aguirre

Mini Tricycles, A Creative Tribute to Filipino Culture

For something uniquely Filipino, the students created miniature tricycles. These small replicas of the well-known tricycles that roam the streets of the Philippines were crafted using various materials, showing off the students' ability to make intricate, meaningful art. It’s a fun and creative way to celebrate an important part of everyday life in the Philippines.

Picture Taken By: Marielle Talagon

Realism and Shading

The students also worked on realism and shading techniques. Realism is all about making artwork look as close to real life as possible, while shading adds depth and makes things look 3D. These techniques take a lot of patience and attention to detail, and the students did a fantastic job, creating lifelike images that really pop off the page.

Picture Taken By: Marielle Talagon

Plywood Paintings and Concrete Clothes

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. The students went beyond traditional methods and experimented with abstract art. Some of them painted abstract designs on plywood, using the texture of the wood to add a unique look to their work. Others took it even further by using unused clothes, covering them in concrete, and then painting them to make bold, eye-catching abstract sculptures. It’s a perfect example of how art can come from the most unexpected places!

Artwork By: Marielle Talagon

Picture Taken By: Marielle Talagon

And that’s just a glimpse of what the SNS SPA students created! There were plenty of other art projects that showed off their skills and imagination. Each student brought something different to the table, and it’s clear that they’re developing their own artistic style while learning new techniques.

Last and This year’s artwork from SNS SPA students proves that art is not just about making something pretty, it’s about expressing yourself, trying new things, and looking at the world in a different way. Whether it’s a colorful impressionist painting, a paper pot, or a tricycle sculpture, these students have shown that they have the talent and creativity to turn ordinary materials into extraordinary art. It’s exciting to think about what they’ll come up with next.

A Short Appreciation For Our Beloved Art Teacher, Kristina Aguirre

No discussion about the SNS SPA visual art class would be complete without mentioning our incredible teacher, Kristina Aguirre. She’s not just any teacher—she’s someone who truly leaves a lasting mark on her students. At first, I found her a bit intimidating, with her strong-willed and determined approach. She has a larger-than-life personality and a sharp sense of humor that can catch you off guard. But day by day, I grew to appreciate her more, and now, I can confidently say we all love her deeply.
What makes Ma'am Kristina special is how she pushes us to give our very best. She doesn’t settle for half-hearted effort. She’s the kind of teacher who sees the potential in each of us, even when we might not see it ourselves. Her encouragement comes in different forms—whether it’s giving us the push we need to improve or offering a reassuring word when we’re feeling down. She’s not just about teaching art; she’s about teaching us how to believe in ourselves.

Her grading style is something we all appreciate. She rewards effort as much as talent, recognizing that not all of us may have the same skill level, but we all have the ability to grow. Ma'am Kristina never hesitates to guide us when we’re struggling, whether in art or in life. She’s been there for us during our low points, always ready to lend a helping hand or some words of wisdom when things feel overwhelming. That kind of support is rare, and it’s something we’ll never forget.

Right now, Ma'am Kristina is in the USA, continuing her passion for teaching art to a new group of students. Of course, we miss her terribly, but we also understand why she’s there. She’s always encouraged us to chase our dreams, and she’s doing exactly that. Even though she’s miles away, we carry her lessons with us every day. We’re thriving because of what she taught us, and we know she’s rooting for us from afar, just like we’re cheering her on as she follows her path.

Ma'am Kristina, you’ve inspired us in ways you can’t imagine. Thank you for believing in us, pushing us to be better, and showing us that art is about more than just what’s on the canvas—it’s about what’s in the heart. We love you, Ma’am, and we’re proud to carry your lessons with us wherever we go!