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Teens Express Themselves Through Art

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Teens from the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. area got a chance to showcase their artwork and meet other future-Picassos at a reception for the "Express Yourself" Teen Art Exhibit at the Brentwood Arts Exchange. The center's first teen-only exhibit featured 40 works of art such as pottery, photographs, portraits and everything in between. The exhibit is up in the exchange from June 25 to August 18, while Saturday's reception provided a time for celebrating youth talent and awards. Phil Davis, director of the Brentwood Arts Exchange, noticed that teen artwork wasn't often represented in the area. He accepted entries from all area schools and, along with juror Joey P. Manlapaz, a Corcoran College of Art & Design Associate Faculty member, set up a diverse display of local teen talent. Romare Marshall, a junior at Landon High School, won third place and a prize of $100 for his artwork depicting Japanese Samauri. The piece was made on silver scratch board and took Marshall about a week. He likes the freedom art allows. "It allows you to express yourself," he said. "Exploring new media of art is appealing too," he added. Jorden Robinson, a freshman at Richard Wright Public Charter School, entered a picture she took outside of her house in the show. With soft colors and a jungle-feel, Robinson was just playing with her camera. She, too, enjoys different types of art and is learning to play guitar. "It's just my passion. It helps me get through hard times," she said about art.