Student Profile: Israel

Israel B., 15, has been shaping his artistic journey at LAMusArt since May 2022. He enrolled at age 12 after his mom found the school and signed him up for art classes. Since then, art class has become his favorite space to learn, create, and grow.

Israel has solely been focused on visual art during his time at LAMusArt with the explanation being that “I love being in art class.” His favorite teacher, Ms. Ortiz, has helped him develop his skills and helped hone his shading. “She taught me how to shade in my drawings,” he says, noting how his style and technique has evolved. “My experience at LAMusArt has changed how I used to draw. I can see the difference in what I’m able to do now.”

One of Israel’s favorite memories at LAMusArt is completing a large-scale art project that pushed his creativity to new heights. He’s especially proud of two pieces he created for the Santa Fe Springs ArtFest, a community event that highlights the work of artists of all ages through public exhibition. His paintings, “Flowers for Spidey” and “Ink City”, were handpicked by the ArtFest committee to be featured in the show. Seeing his artwork displayed alongside other young creatives was a highlight of his artistic career thus far and a testament to how far he’s grown.

When he thinks about the future, Israel has a clear goal in mind. He wants to be an artist for Disney and work in animation. His time at LAMusArt has already helped him move closer to that dream. “The class helps by teaching me how to draw more cartoons,” he says. For him, art is more than just a creative outlet. “Art is important because we tell our feelings through it and can make anything we want,” he says.

When asked what he would say to someone interested in joining the school, Israel said wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it: “You should join LAMusArt because you’re able to learn art, dance, music—and it’s fine if you don’t know the subject because they can teach you.” Finally, Israel wanted to add that “I may look 17 but I’m 15.” This young artist has big dreams and has accomplished so much in his time at LAMusArt. His journey is only beginning, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.