On Friday night, the Coastside Land Trust Gallery was alive with color, creativity, and inspiration as we celebrated the incredible talent of Half Moon Bay High School’s art students at the Coastside Land Trust Winter Art Show. The evening was a true testament to the power of art and community, and we are deeply grateful to all of you who came out to support our local artists.

This art show, in collaboration with the gifted art instructor Janelle Bracamonte, showcased the whimsical mixed-media creations of her students. The young artists were given a unique challenge—one that sparked their imagination and pushed their creative boundaries. They were asked to create pieces inspired by three randomly selected components: a subject, an activity, and a place. The result? A vibrant and diverse collection of artwork that highlighted each student’s individuality and flair for artistic expression.

Sixteen talented artists were chosen to represent their work in this gallery event, and community members were amazed by the creativity, skill, and originality of these high school juniors and seniors. It was clear that the talent of these young artists is truly something special.

Board President Barbara Lohman shared that what stood out most to her was the dedication of Janelle Bracamonte to her students and the joy she takes in guiding them. That passion was certainly reflected in the beautiful work they produced.

Inside the gallery, a stunning variety of works awaited guests—each piece brought to life through the skillful use of watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, markers, and ink. The pieces were as delightful as they were thought-provoking, capturing the whimsical and imaginative worlds these talented students had crafted.

Thank you to the community for showing up and making the evening a memorable success. Your support not only helped showcase the brilliance of these young artists but also reaffirmed the vital role art plays in our lives and in shaping the future of creativity in our community.