(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 3, 2025) — For Coronado High School senior Diana Calderón, art is more than a hobby—it’s home.
The gifted young painter, originally from Chihuahua has made a name for herself in El Paso’s vibrant visual arts community, earning top awards and state recognition during her time in El Paso ISD. Her most recent achievement? Earning an All-State Artist distinction and bringing home a coveted state medal at the 2025 State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) in San Marcos, Texas.
“I don’t really do my artwork for the awards and recognition,” Diana said. “I just love painting, and it makes me really happy.
That joy and dedication have paid off. Diana also took first place in the 2025 El Paso ISD Fine Arts Show—her second year in a row earning a top spot in the high school category. She previously won Best of Show in 2024 and has now become one of the district’s most celebrated young artists.
Despite her success, Diana remains grounded and focused on growth. “It makes me feel good that people are recognizing my work,” she said. “When I moved to El Paso, I was told it might be hard to stand out because there are so many great artists here. But I just did my best, and everything worked out.”
Diana’s art is deeply personal. She gravitates toward portraiture, often painting expressive self-portraits that explore emotion and identity. “I feel like portraits transmit emotion through the human form,” she said. “I want people to connect with my work and feel something real.”
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She credits much of her success to her art teacher, Hugo Nuñez, who introduced her to competitions and guided her creative development. “Thanks to him, I am where I am now,” she said.
Diana began creating art when she was just 7 years old. Now, she’s preparing to graduate from Coronado High School and plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, with hopes of eventually transferring to an art school and opening her own academy to mentor future student artists.
“My message to young artists is: don’t give up,” she said. “Art is subjective. Someone out there will see the value in your work. There’s always an opportunity.”
As Diana looks ahead to the next chapter, her journey is a powerful reminder of the creativity, heart, and talent found throughout El Paso ISD—and how the district is helping students bring their dreams to life, one brushstroke at a time.
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