Every day, roughly 600 students enter the library, each with different grades, schedules and reasons for being there. Despite their differences, they all share a common experience: viewing Senior Ally Nguyen’s paintings. Her six-piece oil painting exhibition is inescapable as it covers the entire library entrance, greeting visitors with colors, brushstrokes and a story told in each canvas. The display represents the result of countless hours of dedication and hard work by Nguyen.

Nguyen’s interest in art began at a young age, when she created her first drawings in elementary school. She took her passion to the next level in eighth grade by taking private lessons.

“I started painting relatively later and that’s when I learned how to paint at Insight Fine Art Studio,” Nguyen said. “It showed me painting and creating stuff that wasn’t just based on a reference but from using my own imagination.” 

Nguyen’s creative process is intricate, involving several steps to begin each painting. She often uses media such as music and film as a way to take inspiration. For her, art is an outlet.

“For one of my pieces “Your American Girl” I was very inspired by Olivia Rodrigo’s “All-American B****,” so I  definitely feel inspired by music and in the movies I watch..,” Nguyen said. “With art I’m able to express myself in different types of ways and also use it to try to connect with other people.”

Art teacher John Zilewicz has had Nguyen as a student for the past four years. He has witnessed her development and made the decision to display her artwork in the library.

“In my 27 years as an art educator, Ally is among the strongest painters I’ve had the privilege of working with…,” Zilewicz said. “She has truly blossomed. Her artistic voice and confidence are evident in every aspect of her work, from her brushstrokes and color palette to her subject matter, viewpoint, lighting, and composition. What stands out most to me, however, is her brushwork. This was an area I strongly encouraged her to explore, and she embraced it fully.”

 To have your art showcased in such a public setting can be intimidating, as the pieces carry a sense of  vulnerability. Nguyen reflects on this mix of nerves and pride.

“It’s a little scary obviously because it’s art so it’s always a little intimate but I do  feel a little achievement. I’m also just very grateful people have come up to me and have said ‘I recognize you!’ ‘I recognize your art!'” Nguyen said.

Senior Nikie Suryadi has been friends with Nguyen since age seven. Her first memories of their friendship includes sketching during class. Over the past 11 years, she has been astounded by Nguyen’s talent.

“I remember drawing characters during class and now to see her artwork is crazy,” Suryadi said. “She’s genuinely one of the best artists I’ve seen because her paintings are just so gorgeous. Since I’ve known her she’s improved so much it’s extremely impressive.”

Nguyen is continuing to share her art through her new mail club: Ally Paints Mail Club. For an $8 monthly subscription, subscribers will receive exclusive themed pieces that include a 5×7-inch art print or postcard, a small sticker, and a letter from the artist explaining the theme and inspiration. Those interested in receiving Nguyen’s mail club can sign up via the monthly link on the account @ally.paint on Instagram.

“I’m starting this mail club and it’s going to be every month with an art print that I make, a sticker and a little message about why I chose this theme or what the creative process was behind the sticker in the print,” Nguyen said. “It’s a way for people  to get exposed and collect art in ways that are affordable and also ways that I can spread my art.”