‘Busy Bee’ Artist

For the coming six months, VPAA senior Yelena Sanyer’s mural will be featured at the Oceanfront’s ViBE District, located on 19th Street and Baltic Avenue. It depicts bees buzzing around a composition of yellow flowers.

“It’s something floral and nice for pictures,” said Sanyer. “I wanted it to fit the vibe of the Oceanfront.”

From over 30 designs submitted, Sanyer was one of eight youth artists chosen for this collection of murals which were painted October 22nd through the 24th. Sanyer and the other artists were paid $500 each for their work, as well as provided needed supplies and a lunch.

“I worked really hard; I was by myself the first day, but then I got help from my mom and some friends the last two days, which allowed me to finish in time,” said Sanyer. “I had to work overtime because I missed the first day due to the weather, so I came back the following Tuesday to finish up.”

One of those who helped out was VPAA senior Cheyenne West.

“It was a fun experience to see the hard work that had been put in and the final outcome of the mural,” said West. “I enjoyed helping to complete the mural and spending time with a friend that was doing something she enjoys.”

Sanyer has grown into her bright, colorful style over the past four years and she has gained more confidence in herself as an artist.

“I was afraid to put myself out there before because I didn’t think I was good enough,” said Sanyer. “Over time I started to not want to do [art] as a career, but as a side job doing commissions and maybe an Etsy. Now I do not know because I enjoy doing it again, for I am becoming more successful.”

VPAA Visual Arts Strand teacher, Melissa Schappell, has witnessed Sanyer take ownership of her artistic process over the past two years she has known her. 

“I’ve seen her take advantage of what her interests are as a fibers and mixed media artist, being willing to take risks and try new things, especially because not many create artwork with the media she works with,” said Schappell. “She is paving her own path, becoming more self driven and not following the status quo of expectations.”

Sanyer discovered this opportunity directly through the ViBE District’s newsletter, which is one of many ways young artists can find ways to participate creatively in their communities.

“Most art centers and museums in the district have their own website with their own opportunities,” said Schappell. “Once you are 18 more opportunities become available to you and there are websites practicing artists can use to find opportunities.”

In addition to painting the mural at the ViBE District, Sanyer collaborated with fellow VPAA senior Ellie Calkin to create a bra for this year’s “Bra-Ha-Ha Art Show,” which raises money for breast cancer prevention organizations by auctioning off the creative bras.

“Our bra was about mother nature and highlighting beauty in the little things,” said Calkin.

More of Sanyer’s artwork can be found on her website, as well as on her instagram @yelijelli.

Callforentry.org features opportunities such as grants, art shows, and exhibitions. Zapplication.com has applications for art festivals and check out the ViBE District’s website to apply for opportunities for minors to share their artistic talents.