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Christian Alzate, a senior at Piscataway Township High School, a four-year public high school in Piscataway Township in Middlesex County, N.J., values art and the talent to see the world with an artist’s eyes. “An artist looks at things with more than one perspective. Art is another way to give voice to an issue or situation in life.”
Christian spends much of his time, immersed in art. This year, he is taking Advanced Placement Studio drawing art, which he describes as more technical with the aspects more detailed and the exploration of a wide range of art mediums. He has served as an assistant for drawing and painting class and has added photography design class this year. It’s five art classes this year, he says. Last year, he took other challenge classes such as honors English and sociology.
He joined the yearbook staff and hopes to use his photography skills. “I also helped set up the art show. Most of what I have done in school has been around art,” he says. Christian submitted one abstract art piece titled Cosmopolitan and four photos. His image of his friend Marina captured hundreds of votes. “The photograph was taken for the magazine for a fresh face. I have photographed friends for portraits. I try to learn from all walks of life; I like the diversity among my friends and Marina is from Brazil. To me, a beautiful portrait empowers people and I wanted to empower Marina. I love black and white photography. I am self-taught, but I adore the idea of black and white mixed with digital imagery.”
Christian has been part of the Rutgers Future Scholars Program since middle school. Christian created some of the T-shirt designs for the program which helped raise program funds. “I am always building on my portfolio and hoping for scholarships,” he says. Christian has also worked at Elijah’s Promise, an area soup kitchen. Plus he created a small film raising awareness for healthy eating and green living that was presented to the school.
As for the future, one of his main options is to attend Rutgers University. As part of the scholarship program, he can attend on a full ride. His other option is Pratt Institute. Christian wants to study marketing and advertising. He wants to be involved in more commercial work. “My art will be with me for the rest of my life,” he says. Art has also been his emotional outlet as well. “I used to be bullied in middle school and art has been a solace. I have been encouraged by my visual arts teacher Dorothy Amme. She tells me not to be afraid to explore different mediums. She’s also been so strong in sharing the values of art and its importance to life.”
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