Rivera’s self-portrait, a graphite drawing called “Flowering Wounds,” has garnered significant attention and acclaim for its unique and powerful message.
- Won a Silver Key award at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a regional award for the state of Virginia.
- Also won a “Best in Show” award at the Annual High School Invitational Art Exhibit at the Daura Museum of Art at the University of Lynchburg.
- Received second place in the Spring Regional Art Contest of the Virginia School Boards Association.
Her artwork, a graphite drawing, symbolizes a personal story of struggle and overcoming difficulties, and explores themes of hope, resilience, and healing.
| Competition | Award | Description of the artwork |
|---|---|---|
| Scholastic Art & Writing Awards | Silver Key award | A graphite drawing called “Flowering Wounds,” which symbolizes a personal story of struggle and overcoming difficulties. |
| Annual High School Invitational Art Exhibit | “Best in Show” award | A graphite drawing that explores themes of hope, resilience, and healing. |
| Spring Regional Art Contest | Second place | A graphite drawing that symbolizes the ability to heal from past challenges. |
Rivera’s art also highlights the importance of self-care and the need for artists to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. “The overall meaning of this artwork is to be able to endure, overcome, and heal from difficult experiences, while starting over and hoping for a brighter future,” Rivera said in a description of her entry for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
“I hope Natalie Rivera is able to continue making art after high school,” Ward said. “You seldom encounter a young person able to draw like Michelangelo; Natalie Rivera does.”
This year, eight NCHS students had their art accepted into a Smithsonian-affiliate gallery’s global teen art competition, and multiple students had their digital art published on highway billboards across the state. “It’s an ~epic~ honor; dang, it’s once-in-a-lifetime,” NCHS art teacher Terry Ward said of Rivera’s Silver Key award. “The picture was a champion from among all the states east of the Mississippi River, from Maine to North Carolina —amazing!”
The artwork features white carnations, which symbolize a new start or “good luck” wishes, baby’s breath flowers, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity, and a band-aid, which represents the need for self-care and growth. “Flowering Wounds” is a powerful expression of the human experience, and a testament to Rivera’s skill and creativity as an artist. “Winning a Silver Key is an ~epic~ honor; dang, it’s once-in-a-lifetime,” Ward said. “The picture was a champion from among all the states east of the Mississippi River, from Maine to North Carolina —amazing!”
Rivera’s art has been recognized by a panel of creative professionals, and awarded for its outstanding merit in originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice and vision. ““(Your student’s artwork) was reviewed and recognized by a panel of creative professionals, and awarded for its outstanding merit in originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice and vision,” competition organizer Emir Webster said in a recognition letter to NCHS. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality art program at NCHS, which has produced numerous award-winning students in recent years.
- Won a Silver Key award at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
- Won a “Best in Show” award at the Annual High School Invitational Art Exhibit.
- Received second place in the Spring Regional Art Contest of the Virginia School Boards Association.
- Had her art accepted into a Smithsonian-affiliate gallery’s global teen art competition.
- Had her digital art published on highway billboards across the state.
By expanding on the details of Natalie Rivera’s artwork and the recognition she has received, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of her achievements and the impact of her art on her community.