Hemet Valley Art Association hosted its 19th annual Evening of Art at the Hemet Public Library, April 18. The overflow crowd enjoyed demonstrations by members, opportunity drawings, a silent auction, refreshments and lots of creative works of art. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of work done by young artists who shared their outstanding talent.
HVAA’s Alison Wieman served as event chairperson and is also the school liaison that works tirelessly with school districts to ensure all high schools feel welcome to have their students participate each year. A panel of judges had the difficult task of choosing this year’s top high school artists from 98 entries, a new record. “We awarded a total of $5,000 to these talented high school students,” Wieman said.
Daniel Morales is an art teacher and Art Club advisor at West Valley High School in Hemet. This is the twelfth year he has been involved with the Evening of Art. His students entered a dozen pieces of art in several categories. Two of his students took home top prizes. Noemi Martinez placed first in the Other 2D category, while Ethan Arevalo took fourth place. Ethan also earned second place for his Digital Art submission.
“I am proud of all my students who submitted artworks and look forward to next year,” Morales said.
West Valley High School Fine Arts Department Leader and ceramics teacher Joe Hameister has been at the school for 29 years where he has taught art, ceramics and tech theater. He has focused on ceramics for the past five years and was very pleased to see three of his students take the top three prizes at the event.
“I am very proud of the talent and effort all the West Valley students put into their artwork this year,” Hameister said. “This is the third year that HVAA has had a 3D category and WVHS has taken first place all three years.”
First through fourth place ribbons and cash prizes were awarded in five categories this year. Several of the students are past winners. Winners for painting were Valeria Hernandez, Hemet High, first; Jasmine Martinez, Hemet High, second; Alexia Leon, Tahquitz High, third; and Raiyah Ledwick, Hamilton High, fourth.
Valeria is a senior this year and used pastels and colored pencils to complete her “Pose” piece. “I’ve always done art,” she said. She entered two paintings in the HVAA competition, and her mother said she was about to toss the first-place winner but thankfully thought better of that idea. Valeria won second place finishes in two categories last year.
Other 2D winners were Noemi Martinez, West Valley High, first; Yadira Antonio Vengas, Hemet High, second; Samira Sumlin, San Jacinto Leadership Academy, third; and Ethan Arevalo, West Valley, fourth.
This is the first time Samira has entered an art contest. The 14-year-old freshman said the inspiration for her “Eye Contact” came about when she thought about doing public presentations at school. “I get anxious when people are staring at me,” she said.
A senior this year, Ethan named the painting of his grandmother “Preserved” because he surrounded her portrait with pressed flowers, deeming it a mixed media piece. “My grandma loves flowers and now her beauty is preserved in my art,” he said. “My inspiration was just how much I love her.”
Digital Art is a new category this year. Winners were Addison Marshall, Hemet High, first and fourth; Ethan Arevalo, West Valley, second; and Giuliana Gonzalez, Academy of Innovation, third.
Addison is a freshman who likes to do a lot of traditional art as well. She appreciates the teachers and family members who have always guided her through her artistic journey. The 15-year-old’s winning works were “Loyal Knight” and “Armored Duck.”
The Photography category was well represented by Kira Smith, Academy of Innovation, first; Molly Franks, Hemet High, second; Emily Franks, Hemet High, third; and William Archer, Hemet High, fourth.
Ceramics (3D) covered a wide variety of subjects. Top winners were Kah Layzjah Dixon, West Valley, first; Izabell Garcia Plazola, West Valley, second; Cayce Bellomy, West Valley, third; and Michelle Rocha, Hemet High, fourth.
Hameister said Kah plans to take Ceramics 4 next school year when she’s a senior. “Drawing and painting are the main things I like to do,” she said. The 16-year-old said she has grown up around artists, musicians and other creative people. Her “Kraken’s Cradle” was a real crowd pleaser for guests, not just the judges.
Other student submissions on display captured the attention of art lovers who took time to explore those that were set up around the space on tables and walls. Works by HVAA members were also on display and available for purchase, including works by 2025 Photographer of the Year Earl McNeese and 2025 Artist of the Year Betty Pilley. This month’s Featured Artist Pamela Flinn Schanuel, who joined the nonprofit, volunteer-led organization in 2020, showed several works as well.
Pia Ray, representing Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson’s office, presented HVAA with a certificate of recognition for hosting the Evening of Art and showcasing local talent and creative expression. On behalf of the California State Assembly, he thanked them for their “dedication to promoting the arts in our community” and wished them continued prosperity and success. All student winners also received certificates from Jackson thanking them for their creativity, dedication and contribution to the vibrant arts community in the San Jacinto Valley. He expressed his best wishes for continued artistic growth and success.
Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez provided certificates to the students that read, “Your artistic vision enhances the cultural spirit of the County of Riverside and inspires those around you. We wish you ongoing success in your artistic journey.”
Hemet Mayor Linda Krupa and Hemet Council Member Jackie Peterson were among those in attendance. Peterson said her mother was an artist who earned a scholarship to the Kansas City Art Institute but was unable to finish due to personal obligations. When her children were grown, Peterson’s mom started taking art classes again and eventually started teaching. Peterson said her own creative interests lie in writing and photography.
Watercolorist Vicki Moran credits HVAA with her current art career. After taking art in high school, she put her passion on hold to raise a family. After retiring from a career in book publishing, she began taking classes at HVAA and reignited her interest. She has gone on to exhibit her award-winning work at various locations. She chose to demonstrate how she creates her impressive watercolor portraits, which she began doing in 2020. Other Artists in Action were Jenny Gagnon, gourds; Laurence Bellocq, jewelry; José Pachelo, clay sculptor; Miyoko Whittelsey, watercolor; and Patty Greco, Japanese fish painting. Chairs were positioned around each workstation and al of them readily answered questions about technique, inspirations and more.
Hemet Valley Art Association’s mission is to encourage and develop the appreciation, study and practice of the fine arts and to further educate, inspire and enrich the lives of others through its programs, exhibits and activities.
Another goal of the Evening of Art is to give the community the opportunity to learn about all the local talent that the valley has to offer. With a variety of classes available for all ages and skill levels, the Hemet Valley Art Association welcomes everyone to visit the Downtown Hemet gallery at 144 N. Harvard St. For more information, 951-652-4592 or www.hemetvalleyart.com.
