Youth Artist Highlight: Izzy’s Creative Journey with ARTS!
Izabella N, or Izzy, is a talented young artist from National City. She started her creative journey with ARTS at age eight in Fall 2021. Now 14, Izzy is one of our most dedicated participants, having taken eight art classes and internships through the Community ARTS program.
Izzy says ARTS is a place where students “really have a chance to express yourself, and you’re able to share your ideas.” She thanks the program for introducing her to many art forms, including painting, sewing, digital, and 3D art. “I’ve made some clothing in sewing class, paintings and murals, and tried new art styles.”
Some of Izzy’s earliest memories with ARTS include participating in events like Dia de Los Muertos and taking classes such as “Adventures in Comics,” which inspired her to create original characters. That first spark led to years of artistic growth. “My original character that I did in that class has been with me for so long, and I still draw and make backstory. I want to eventually become a writer and write about a story with this character in it.”
Another highlight for Izzy was the Gallery Takeover Exhibition Internship from Summer 2025. She and seven other youth artists from the Community ARTS program curated, designed, and installed an exhibition at the Spanish Gallery in Balboa Park. “It's a great opportunity... a great thing to put on your resume, because you can get to do all these sorts of things. I was able to do a lot with the ARTS program... I'm so grateful that ARTS was able give me that opportunity.”
“I was able to do a lot with the ARTS program... I’m so grateful that ARTS was able give me that opportunity.”
Lifelong Connections and Mentorship
A big highlight for Izzy at ARTS has been the friendships and mentorships she’s found. She’s made friends who feel like family and has mentors like Sheena and Claudia. “My current teacher Ms. Sheena has been with me since I was in fifth grade, and I really, really love her,” Izzy shares. “And then, one of the sewing teachers, Miss Claudia, she’s my friend’s mom, and she’s awesome. I’m so lucky to have her as a mentor.”
Ms. Sheena, who has taught Izzy for years, praises her creativity and vision. “Izzy is not only well-spoken and intelligent but also deeply talented. She’s developed a distinctive artistic style, and her work stands out for both its technical excellence and imaginative storytelling. Izzy’s characters are layered with backstory and mystery, combining skill with a unique perspective.”
“She’s developed a distinctive artistic style, and her work stands out for both its technical excellence and imaginative storytelling.”
Izzy started working with Ms. Sheena in Spring 2023, joining the “We Have to Dream it First” project for the Other Worlds exhibition. Since then, she has taken the Paintings and Murals class several times to keep improving her skills. This fall, she and her classmates are excited to install murals in the Children’s Library section of the National City Public Library, showing how much they have grown and worked together.
Sheena shares what makes the ARTS experience so special for both teachers and students: It really fills up my cup in the teaching category. Everyone is enthusiastic about creating art and all the students genuinely want to be here. They’re saying, ‘Give me a paintbrush, Miss S!’ That kind of enthusiasm is so rare and rewarding.”
“Everyone is enthusiastic about creating art and all the students genuinely want to be here...That kind of enthusiasm is so rare and rewarding.”
This passion means ARTS classes fill up fast. In fact, demand is so high that there’s a waitlist for every session, there aren’t enough spaces for all the youth who want to participate. The energy and commitment the students bring show just how much this creative community means to them.
Advice for Future Artists
“You’re definitely going to be able to meet a lot of great people who you could really relate to, and I think the arts is a great place to really express yourself, and you’re able to share your ideas, I feel like I’ve been able to do that.”
Izzy encourages others to try ARTS, describing it as a free, supportive environment where you can learn, create, and build your resume. “You’re definitely going to be able to meet a lot of great people who you could really relate to, and I think the arts is a great place to really express yourself, and you're able to share your ideas, I feel like I've been able to do that.”
Izzy’s story shows the power of community, mentorship, and exploring creativity. We look forward to seeing where her imagination leads her next!
As we celebrate Izzy and all the young artists at ARTS, we invite you to join us in making a real difference. The demand for our programs continues to grow, with each session welcoming more young artists ready to create, collaborate, and lead. Your support ensures we can build on this impact—providing free, high-quality arts experiences that expand skills, deepen confidence, and open pathways for the future.
By giving to our Creativity Belongs Here campaign, you invest in the talents and potential of young people like Izzy. Together, we can celebrate that creativity matters and that every young artist has a place to belong.
