SSG Manuel R. Puentes Middle School Principal Greta Brasgalla has been quilting for more than 10 years and sewing since she was nine years old. In September, she proudly showcased one of her quilts at the SISD Employee Art Show.
The vibrant handmade quilt, titled "Our Village," featured rows of houses with distinct doors and windows. Each door or window represented a unique detail from Brasgalla’s family history, such as a family member, important dates, or other significant symbols. The row of houses in the middle of the quilt displayed a letter on each door, spelling out her last name.
“I thought that it would show my creativity in design as well as execution,” said Brasgalla, who won first place in the show’s non-art teacher category. She said she was astonished she won after seeing all the other fantastic entries.
“It was a fun experience, and I am already planning for next year!” Brasgalla added.
The SISD Employee Art Show included 112 entries from teachers, principals, transportation staff, and more. For the first time, the competition was divided into two categories: one for art teachers and the other for non-art teachers.
The contest recognized first, second, and third place winners in each category, along with an honorable mention at a reception at the District Service Center on Sept. 5.
Participants displayed their talent through a wide variety of artwork, including ceramics, acrylic paintings, mixed media, and photography. Additionally, the show presented the first ever hybrid recreational vehicle model, according to art show officials. The SISD orchestra directors also performed during the reception.
Candace Printz, assistant director of Fine Arts, said that the show was intended to be a platform for all SISD employees to showcase their artistic abilities, whether or not they are trained artists.
"This is meant to be a friendly competition, but also, primarily, it's meant to be a creative outlet because I think a lot of our employees have these sometimes hidden talents, and we want to be a platform where they can show that talent," Printz said.
This was the second time that Elena Sotelo, an art teacher at Desert Wind School, won first place in the Employee Art Show. Her painting, “Conversing with Evil,” claimed the top spot in the art teacher category.
Sotelo said her surrealist painting, which depicted three individuals representing the past, present, and future, was filled with symbolism and contained hidden messages of the persistence of evil over time.
“I love art and being creative and self-expressive is something I need to be and have in my life,” Sotelo said. “Entering into art competitions shows my love and vision with my community and colleagues.”
SISD 2024-25 Employee Art Show Winners
Art Teacher category
1st Place
Elena Sotelo, Desert Wind School, “Conversing with Evil”
2nd Place
Able Saucedo, Socorro High School, “Boca de Ballena”
3rd Place
Virginia Castañeda, El Dorado High School, “The Deceitful One”
Honorable Mention
Samuel Muñoz, Americas High School, “Matzo Ball Miracle”
Non-Art Teacher category
1st Place
Greta Brasgalla, SSG Manuel R. Puentes Middle School, “Our Village”
2nd Place
Oduma Louis, SISD Department of Transportation, Hybrid Recreational Vehicle
3rd Place
Sarah Briseño Merlin, Vista Del Sol Environmental Science Academy, “Sobekotep”
Honorable Mention
Justine Stene, Montwood High School, “Inner Voice”