Westlake Art Student Emerges as Generational Talent

Senior Kenan Alsabony is emerging as a generational talent as an art student at Westlake High School.

He was always a “pretty good” artist with a penchant for superhero and digital drawings.

But through his junior and senior years, he has earned uncharted recognition for his talents.

“I got to meet Kenan his sophomore year. He was a pretty good artist, creating many Marvel superhero and DragonBallZ digital drawings and getting some traction on social media for his work,” says Westlake High art teacher Will Wilson.

“After seeing one of the older students win numerous awards at our high school fine arts ceremony, Kenan began to realize the opportunities available to him.”

The two had some discussions about taking his work out into the world and trying to sell prints at some of the comic conventions, a task he took on, buying a booth in the artist alley at the Cleveland Fan Expo 2 years ago. He continued to build on this while also developing his art further.

“From a young age, I have had an innate passion for all types of art. I love the freedom of being able to create something from nothing. Every time I pick up a pencil, I feel a sense of calmness and relaxation as my mind is able to focus solely on my artwork. I enjoy being able to express myself through my work, and I am consistently trying to improve my skills. Art is my way of connecting with the world, and I am continuously learning something new. It has become my form of creative expression and I am passionate about creating art that can move people.” – Kenan Alsabony, ka7art.com

Last year, as a junior, Kenan got a perfect score for his AP Art and Design portfolio.

“It featured mostly digital paintings loosely following the story of a young prince who went into hiding after his father was killed and then began working towards his revenge which ultimately left him hollow,” reports Wilson. In addition, he won numerous awards as a junior including First Place for the High School Division in the Foundry’s Power of Water Show.

In the summer between junior and senior year, Kenan participated in 7 comic conventions around the country and created a number of beautiful paintings.

As a senior, Kenan has turned up the volume. In addition to the contests and accolades below, Kenan participated in major comic conventions in both Florida and Chicago, continuing to cultivate his business as an artist. Below is a list of his achievements this year;

Scholastic Art Contest – 5 Honorable Mentions, 5 Silver Keys, 9 Gold Keys, 1 Silver Key Portfolio, 1 Gold Key Portfolio. National Silver and Gold medals for Scholastic have not yet been announced.
The Ileen Kelner Juried High School Art Show -Beachwood Arts Council – 2nd Place Overall
2 Faces of Jane – Create Like Frida Art Contest – 5 pieces juried in and 2nd place overall
Valley Art Center – 52nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition – Kenan entered as an artist, not a student artist, competing with professional adult artists. Out of 540 pieces submitted to the show, 57 were accepted. Kenan was one of those 57 and sold his piece entitled Nice Shoes.
Governor’s Art Show – 3 of Top 249 out of 8,113 total submissions across the state and one of Top 25 out of 8,113 total submissions across the state
Numerous other shows including OU Mentor/Mentee show, Celebrating Art Show, Valley Art Center Emerging Young Artists show.

“We have never had a student with as much talent, determination, and dedication,” says Wilson. “And on top of all of this success, Kenan has remained humble, open to learning, and willing to help wherever he can. We are lucky to have Kenan representing the Art Department at Westlake High School and the community at large.”