VERSO, an exhibition of art.

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ART FROM THE HEART: (Left to right) Nicole Sansevere stands next to her mother Keisha Sansevere
in front of her AP art pieces. She displayed her award winning art piece (located at the top) that won the
2024 Congressional Art Competition at VERSO. Photo by Jaliyah Young

By: Jaliyah Young and Gabrielle Woodburn

VERSO was an exposition held by the art program that aimed to raise more recognition for the art
program at West Broward High School (WBHS). It was entirely student-led and showed how leadership
and passion for a common goal can attract people who may not have given the program any significant
attention before.

On April 17, the fine arts department diligently worked to put VERSO together. VERSO gave students
the opportunity to share artwork that they have persistently worked on with the school community.
Sansevere spearheaded this project and enlisted the help of juniors Gabriella Schott and Jasmine Andino.
They noticed that there was not much knowledge about art and worked to fix that. Together, they
orchestrated the first art exhibit at WBHS.

“I noticed that students were not getting the attention they deserve for their skills and artistic talents. I
wanted to find a way to spotlight the program to open more opportunities for our fine arts students,” said AP-art student Nicole Sansevere.

Through this exhibition, they hoped to raise awareness for the art program, especially since there is no
professional certificate that can be obtained. They recruited student volunteers and worked tirelessly to
transform the auditorium into a professional environment.

“I can honestly say that I felt that I was at a true art exhibit. I have gone to a few exhibitions, and the
way they presented themselves was very similar. When I walked into the theater, I was blown away,” said
Assistant Principal Dionne Sterling.

VERSO art exhibit: She and others worked diligently to set up VERSO in the most creative way possible and make it a positive experience for all who attended. Photo by Jaliyah Young

Students also determines which pieces would be showcased. The board chose from artwork done in class
and opened an online application where anyone, regardless of their years of experience, could apply to
enter and be exhibited . One piece in particular was a depiction of a pond with lily pads painted using
dots, a popular art form called pointillism created by Tiffany Kao.

“The majority was artwork that students have created in class, but we also had an application where they
could submit work. We handpicked which artwork would be displayed and uploaded to our online
gallery,” said Schott.

A few days before its premiere, VERSO was opened for study hall teachers and students during school
hours to build exposure for opening night. Study hall classes were allowed to view the various art pieces
which included 2-D art, sculptures, and AP artwork. VERSO’s debut was met with lots of positivity.
Students enjoyed seeing their peers’ artwork and the extraordinary pieces of those who dedicate their time to art. Pieces were displayed in the auditorium’s lobby which allowed students to search for their pieces.

“When I first went to VERSO during study hall I was shocked at how many pieces were put up and how
amazing each individual artwork was. Each piece was a way for people to express themselves and how
they see the world, which is so unique and fun! Everyone who put together the exhibition was enthusiastic which enhanced the experience.” said Junior, Jasleen Espinal.

The organizers hope to make VERSO an annual event as they believe that the art program deserves
constant recognition. Students pour hard work and dedication into each composition, and they deserve to have their pieces showcased. Andina and Schott have already started to advocate for continuing this
legacy. VERSO was a true school-wide effort that helped a greater good.

“I would like it to be an annual event, so every year students can have the same experience. It has not
been easy, but I had a lot of help from my students, Ms. Sterling, and the fine arts department. Thank you
to them,” said 2-D and 3-D art teacher, Oleya Gambra.