On the evening of April 22, the advanced art classes at Moapa Valley High School showcased their work in the school library. The event, themed Emerging Visions, was an opportunity for fourth-year art students to display their best pieces from the year and try something new: artificial intelligence.
The idea started when Damon Bush, a student in the class, had trouble coming up with a name for a sculpture of a ship. He and art teacher Donna Forrester decided to try using an AI program to help. Not only did it generate a fitting name, but it also offered to write a backstory for the artwork. The result was so unique and creative, they decided to do the same for one piece of art from each student in the showcase.
Artists (Back to Front and Left to Right) Audrie D., Jacob V., Trace M., Christopher H. Damon B., Valerian H., Zoe S., Monroe L., Faith K., Rebekah J., Olivia D. showcase their work at the MV Art Exhibit on April 22.PHOTO BY RACHLE BELNAP/The Progress
“I like to make figures of my imagination come to life,” said Damon, whose ship sparked the AI theme.
One student described one of their pieces in great detail to the AI and had it recreate the artwork digitally. The AI version was printed and displayed among the originals, inviting guests to try to spot the “intruder.”
With the rise of AI-generated art, Forrester has led class discussions on whether AI creations count as true art. For this show, instead of avoiding the topic, her students embraced it.
This marks Forrester’s 14th art showcase at MVHS. In the past, the event included all levels of student work, but she now focuses on her advanced studies class. “I have so many talented students,” she said. “It would take half the [school] year to prep a show for everyone.”
Underclassmen were encouraged to enter their work in the Clark County Fair’s art exhibit, while seniors look forward to this more intimate event. “Usually these kids are planning on going further with art after high school,” Forrester explained.
Student Zoe Sneller pushed creative boundaries by using unconventional surfaces like glass, a record and even a book. “I love stepping outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “Last year I painted on wood. I just like to challenge myself.”
Rebekah Jensen’s collection was inspired by her faith. “My love for Jesus Christ – it influences everything I do!” she said when speaking about her inspiration for her artwork. Her pieces included religious imagery and depictions of Christ.
The event had a gallery-like atmosphere, complete with refreshments for attendees. Students were present to answer questions and talk about their work. It was an evening full of imagination, reflection, and connection, where tradition met technology, and student visions came to life.
