FastFrame owner Anthony Ruiz smiles in front of Acalanes students' artwork Photo Jennifer Wake
Anthony Ruiz, who owns FastFrame in Lafayette, has always appreciated student artwork. Beginning May 3, Ruiz began displaying student works from four Acalanes High School art classes as the first of what he hopes will be an annual month-long showing of artwork from the three local public high schools.
Artwork such as papier mache sculptures, acrylic and watercolor paintings, as well as ink jet photography by artists Julia Jarrett, Rania Theodosi, Natalie Croak, Lauren Calvio, Michelle Alikahani, and many others grace the store's front window display, with an entire wall inside the frame shop dedicated to student artwork during this month-long show.
"This community really appreciates artwork, through LASF and other organizations, families put an emphasis on art in schools," Ruiz says. "Sadly, art is often the first of the programs to get cut." Ruiz hopes to have Lamorinda art teachers display their work in a future show as well.
This art show, however, is all about the kids. "They walk in and say, 'Wow!' They're really excited to see their work hanging on the wall," he says.
The student artwork will be on display through the month of May.
Artwork such as papier mache sculptures, acrylic and watercolor paintings, as well as ink jet photography by artists Julia Jarrett, Rania Theodosi, Natalie Croak, Lauren Calvio, Michelle Alikahani, and many others grace the store's front window display, with an entire wall inside the frame shop dedicated to student artwork during this month-long show. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA