In the gallery space at New Museum Los Gatos, vivid colors and images stick out and form a mosaic of different perspectives and stories. The gallery’s spring exhibition highlights Santa Clara County student artists, and this year’s theme is “dreamscapes.”
All 700-plus entries responded to the prompt, “How can art reflect our dreams, and how do our dreams reflect our hopes, fears, values, environment, and aspirations?” The submissions were carefully reviewed by the council of the museum and narrowed down to 83 pieces, which are on display in the main gallery. Of the 83, the responses that resonate the most with the audience will be awarded prizes, including more than $10,000 in scholarships and other awards.
During a VIP preview, guests strolled through the gallery and observed the artwork complete with labels, which were the students’ written responses to describe their work. After some time in the gallery, everyone was ushered downstairs to listen to speeches from the museum workers, ArtNow Teen Council member Anuhya Gottam (a Valley Christian High School senior), three teachers of some exhibited students and Los Gatos Mayor Matthew Hudes.
Gottam spoke on how she has grown as a person and an artist through being an intern at New Museum. All teachers expressed their gratitude for “ArtNow” and the opportunity it gives students as well as the museum’s support in making sure all students have enough time to complete their submission. Each speech highlighted the hard work every student has put in and the exhibition’s positive impact on the art community.
“What I find especially inspiring is how, even in the face of competition and the pressures of productivity, the community continues to thrive with such vibrant imagination. It’s a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve together,” said Amy Pan, from Saratoga High School, one of the exhibiting artists.
Since 2012, “ArtNow” has given teen artists in Santa Clara County the opportunity to experience the real world of art by hosting a judged art competition. The competition features a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, mixed media and digital art and animation. After receiving all submissions, the museum curators begin a process of narrowing down the submissions and choosing which pieces will be exhibited in the gallery.
ArtNow 2025: Dreamscapes runs through July 20 at NUMU New Museum Los Gatos, 106 E Main St, Los Gatos. Hours: Thu–Sun 10am–4pm. General admission is $10. for information, call 408.354.2646.
