Leah Mokiao among top 2% of student artists in Texas
Sometimes a piece of art doesn’t just show a moment – it reflects something deeper. For Martin High School senior Leah Mokiao, that feeling came to life in her piece “Comfortably Numb,” a portrait that has now earned one of the highest honors in Texas visual arts: the Texas Art Education Association VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) Gold Seal.
This year, Mokiao joined two Arlington High School 2025 graduates – Keira Cloud and Valerie Ortega – as Arlington ISD celebrated three Gold Seal recipients. Out of 32,518 regional entries across Texas, only 2,363 advanced to state. From there, just 164 earned a Gold Seal, putting these students in roughly the top 2% of all artwork submitted.
For Mokiao, creating art has always been personal.
“The pieces I like to create always pull a personal meaning from my life or something that I am feeling at the time,” she said.
That’s exactly what shaped “Comfortably Numb.” She chose her brother as the subject because, as she explained, “his facial structure fit the vibe I was going for.”
The piece captures a feeling she knows well – one that’s hard to describe but easy to recognize.
“It’s kind of like having that emotion of how a lot is going on and you’re not necessarily happy or sad. You’re just kind of there,” she said. “That’s how I was feeling at the time.”
When she found out the piece earned a Gold Seal, Mokiao was thrilled.
“It’s crazy,” Mokiao said. “I’m in shock, but I feel accomplished and proud of myself. That’s such a crazy number.”
Piece by Valeria Ortega, Arlington High School
She’s quick to credit her art teacher, Sharon Miller, who has taught her for the past two years and encouraged her to keep pushing her creativity.
“I am immensely proud of her,” Miller said. “She is a very gifted artist and student. She really puts in the time and the work. She’s just a natural and I couldn’t be more proud of the success that she has garnered with the Gold Seal.”
This year, Miller watched Mokiao take more risks – experimenting with new mediums, layering techniques and textures. Her Gold Seal piece even includes real canvas incorporated into the blanket.
Mokiao says Miller played a huge role in helping her grow.
“Mrs. Miller has made sure to push me,” she said. “She wants me to reach my full potential and give my emotions to the piece. She has a huge belief that your piece should have meaning – and that’s what makes art and why I love it.”
Piece by Keira Cloud, Arlington High School
And when trying something new felt uncomfortable, she never felt alone.
“Mrs. Miller has helped me push out of the boundaries,” Mokiao said. “Even if I felt a little uncomfortable, she’s always there and supportive.”
All three Arlington ISD Gold Seal pieces are now traveling the state, with stops at the Glassell School of Art in Houston, the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Arlington, the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, and finally the TAEA State Conference in Round Rock.
Arlington ISD’s track record in the arts is strong –12 straight years of Visual Arts All-Staters and seven consecutive years with at least one Gold Seal honoree.
For Mokiao, “Comfortably Numb” isn’t just another assignment. It’s a moment in her life captured on canvas – and a reminder of what can happen when students are given the space and support to express themselves.