Dax P., a senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, has transformed from a young drawing enthusiast into an award-winning artist and student leader.
His recent $5,000 first-place victory at the Dallas Young Artist Exhibition marks just one milestone in a journey that combines artistic excellence with community impact.
His artistic journey began early, rooted in a comprehensive appreciation for creative expression.
“I have been drawing ever since I was little, but it really wasn’t just an exclusive love of drawing, but rather a broad appreciation of the arts,” Dax said, per Dallas ISD News Hub.
That foundation has evolved into sophisticated technical skills informed by scientific study. As a member of the Science National Honor Society, Dax applies analytical thinking to his creative process.
“As a kid, I would study anatomy books at Barnes & Noble to truly understand the human form, lighting, and the shape of each muscle and texture,” he explained. “My love for the study of life and earth has helped me to truly understand the ways in which natural composition is formed.”
Beyond personal artistic development, Dax serves as co-president of Visions for Confidence, an organization dedicated to empowering students through arts education. The role carries personal significance rooted in his own educational experiences.
“Having the ability to expand the opportunities of the arts and education to those in communities provided me with joy to know that we could create an environment that a young artist such as myself never had access to,” Dax said.
His work with fellow students has reinforced his belief in mentorship’s transformative power. “I was able to see the impact that someone, at minimum, just caring could have, and imagining the impact that could be made through engrossing these students in their craft.”
The institutional support at Booker T. has proven instrumental in Dax’s development. Teacher Kyle Clark, who instructs Advanced Placement drawing, played a particularly crucial role in nurturing his artistic vision.
“Mr. Clark truly helped me to understand and communicate my passions through art,” Dax noted. “He helped me to understand the possibilities that awaited me at Booker T.”
That supportive environment extends throughout the school community, according to Dax. “My favorite memory at Booker T. isn’t necessarily a single memory, but the endless support and love that the students and faculty, the school, has provided me with.”
His winning piece, “Blacklisted Pt.1,” showcased the technical mastery he’s developed through years of dedicated practice. The charcoal drawing earned recognition at the Blue Print Gallery’s annual exhibition, validating his artistic growth.
This fall, he will begin the next phase of his journey at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The program aligns with his interests in artistic expression and human development.
For aspiring artists within Dallas ISD, Dax offers practical wisdom drawn from his experiences. His advice emphasizes personal growth over competition and authentic expression over external validation.
“Don’t look at others to rank yourself; look at others as a means to expand what you believed was creatively possible,” he advised. “You are an artist; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
He also advocates for maintaining joy in creative work rather than allowing pressure to diminish the fundamental pleasure of making art.
“Don’t take art so seriously… Create for your own enjoyment.” Learn about his journey, achievements, and passion for mentorship.