Originally published on KBTX News – July 3rd, 2024
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – A young artist from Bryan-College Station has been awarded a rare opportunity. One of Christian Araiza’s paintings will be on display in Washington, D.C. – inside the U.S. Capitol.
Araiza is a high school senior at the Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville. His interest in art began at a young age, with his family encouraging him to explore this passion.
Araiza says he’s inspired by Catholic art and his favorite painter: Leonardo da Vinci.
This religious inspiration can be seen in the painting he submitted in the Annual Congressional Art Competition, “Eve’s Embrace.”
“The painting is supposed to represent my version of Eve, from Genesis in the Bible, and I wanted to show the beauty of women – the essence and the life that they bring,” explained Araiza.
He says he was also looking to represent the struggles women go through.
“That’s why the eye on her forehead is crying, that’s supposed to represent God seeing a women’s view,” Araiza said.
Araiza won the Congressional Art Competition, earing “Eve’s Embrace” a place in the Cannon Tunnel, the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol.
His principle, Erica Kouros, says she loves that Araiza had found his passion.
“What’s beautiful about it is he’s able to continue to focus on that, grow that passion, while still getting his academics in a way that allows him to balance both,” said Kouros.
Kouros added that it was an honor for her and Araiza’s art teacher to have the opportunity to support his talent.
“I know his art teacher was so proud, because she had actually noticed Christian’s talent, and encouraged him to step out,” said Kouros. “Sometimes students are a little bit shy about being able to put their artwork on such a large platform. But, Christian obviously having an amazing talent, being fostered in that talent, it was an honor for us to support him in that, also be able to celebrate him and his achievements.”
To learn more about Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville please visit, www.tvah.k12.com.
