Read a few close looks at artwork in the gallery, then explore student work chosen retrospectively for each month of 2026.
Written and selected by Open Easel in November 2026.
Lila Hoffer-Bensimhon draws two spoons in charcoal against a nearly black background. The bright edges make the metal easy to recognize while leaving the space around it hard to pin down. Looking closely reveals how much of a room can appear in a simple reflection.
Olivia Alves photographed a live performance from the audience, letting violet light catch the performer and the people watching. Most faces remain in shadow, which makes the changing light and the closeness of the crowd the parts you notice first.
Isabella Munoz draws the same floral portrait in several palettes, keeping the face in place while the colors change. In the cyan version, flowers cross the face and frame a steady gaze; beside the grayscale and red and blue versions, it becomes easier to see how color changes the mood.
We chose these works in November 2026 and assigned earlier month labels as a retrospective; no awards were announced in those months.
Maddie Miller places a small lit figure among crowded blue and violet shapes, so the scene feels sheltered and unsettled at once.
Gavin Popilek joins a mechanical arm and a tree with fine black lines, giving both forms a similar weight.
Olivia Alves frames a coast with tall palms and tiny figures below, making the size of the landscape easy to feel.
Sienna LaRocque places a seated figure in warm color and pays close attention to both the person and the room.
Grace Zambrano’s cyanotype turns a cluster of branches into a deep blue print with striking shapes and texture.
Bruno DiMarzio photographs a pinecone close to the ground, bringing out details that are easy to miss from above.
Aolani Alinea surrounds a large yellow flower with tiny creatures and winding paths, creating a playful change of scale.
Isabella Munoz repeats a floral portrait in red and blue, where the eyes still hold your attention among the petals.
Alani Bernard-Broomes sets a colorful painted face against the grass, letting the strange expression stand out in a familiar place.
Lila Hoffer-Bensimhon shows a squirrel moving through purple flowers, catching a quick moment inside a richly colored scene.
Sade Monteria Avellanet places a brightly colored figure against blue water and sky, using strong lines to keep the scene lively.