Clovis High students’ artwork showcased in new gallery thanks to a community partner

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — A group of Clovis High School students is gaining professional exposure after their artwork was featured in a newly established gallery hosted by a local business.

Students carefully craft their artwork using a range of mediums, including painting, ceramics, photography and digital tools.

Among the featured artists was senior Vy Nyguen, whose photographs captured moments with her family during a Vietnamese New Year celebration in Vietnam.

“It’s significant to me because it was the first time in years that our entire family was home for the new year,” Nyguen said.

Each school year, Clovis High students traditionally present their work in an on-campus showcase.

This year, however, the exhibition expanded after Phil Dietz, vice president of business development for Bush Construction, reached out to photography teacher Doug Adrian with the idea of hosting student artwork at the company’s Clovis office.

“We wanted to find ways to engage with them and support what they’re trying to do, and the great work that the district is trying to do to develop students and young scholars,” Dietz said. “So this was kind of us, our small way to do that.”

Bush Construction transformed its office space to accommodate the exhibit, installing additional lighting and professional gallery rails.

The company formally named the space “The Circle Gallery,” turning previously blank walls into a dedicated venue for student art.

Clovis High photography teacher Douglas Adrian said the gesture was both meaningful and unexpected.

“It’s a bit overwhelming to be honest,” Adrian said. “They have gone out of their way to make this happen and they have just, time and time again, surprised us with their generosity and their care.”

Earlier this month, family members, friends and district officials attended an opening reception that drew more than 200 guests.

Nyguen said she did not tell her family ahead of time that her photographs would be on display.

The artwork remains on exhibit at Bush Construction, and Dietz said the company hopes to continue the partnership and potentially expand it to include more students and additional career technical education pathways.

For Nyguen, the experience has left a lasting impression.

“I’m incredibly grateful, because I’ve never even heard of a company doing that for us, or doing that for anyone at all,” she said. “And for them to be willing to take a chance with us, I think it was really cool.”

The student artwork will remain on display through May, when it will be replaced with new pieces for another student showcase.

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