A budding artist from Dr. Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch has achieved a remarkable feat by receiving the prestigious Award of Excellence from The Dalí Museum. This accolade is the highest honor bestowed upon a middle school student participating in the 2025 Student Surrealist Art Exhibit.
The annual juried art exhibition, as highlighted on the museum’s website, showcases the creative works of Florida middle and high school students. These young artists delve into themes and visions reminiscent of Salvador Dalí and the surrealists. This year’s captivating theme is “Obsession, Disintegration, and Reinvention.”
From vibrant watercolors and striking photography to innovative digital art and intricate colored pencil drawings, six talented students from Manatee County’s traditional public schools have their masterpieces on display this summer.
Award of Excellence / Cascade Creation by Bronx H., Dr. Mona Jain Middle School – Grade 7 Teacher: Katelyn Reyes
Other pieces on display include:
Untitled by Anthony M., Buffalo Creek Middle School – Grade 7 Teacher: Tatiana Hernandez
Beautiful Ballerina with a Swan Head and Wings, Dancing on a Lake with White Swans by Emi S., Dr. Mona Jain Middle School – Grade 7 Teacher: Denise Mueller
Teeth Collectors by Aaliyah P., Louise R. Johnson K-8 School of International Studies – Grade 8 Teacher: Greg Corban
The Unraveling by Mia G., Parrish Community High School – Grade 12 Teacher: Cary Jones
Held Without Hands by Avery S., Parrish Community High School – Grade 11 Teacher: Kelly Schweers
These stunning student artworks are on display until August 3, 2025, in the Raymond James Community Room on the ground floor of The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. The museum’s ground floor is free and open to the public, except during private events.
For more information, please visit https://thedali.org/exhibit/student-surrealist-art-exhibit-online-2025-statewide/.