By Emi Gruender
Scattered around Downtown San Jose, breathtaking works of art plaster maintenance doors. In modest white ink in the corner, the name of the artist and their highschool of origin are credited. Over 372 works of art are currently displayed, each the work of an aspiring artist right here in the Bay Area—and one of the newest doors will boast the work of a Westmont Photographer: Ben Kiznyte.
Recently, Westmont’s Got Art boasted a roomful of the work of some of Westmont’s most talented artists—including photographer Ben Kiznyte. Ben has just started photography this year, but has developed a plethora of photographic skills. As a result of encouragement from Rachael Bradley, the photography teacher, Ben decided to apply for the highly prestigious opportunity to display high school art on doors downtown. Ben was one of approximately 20 winners, and on May 15, 2025, participated in a ceremony to unveil the new art.
“At first, I looked into what other people did with similar prompts,” said Ben when I asked him about the inspiration behind this piece. “I came across a photo with a birdcage—it didn’t have the hands that I put in mine.”
This specific piece took one evening of work. Ben’s sister and future Westmont Warrior Agniete Kiznyte served as the hand model—but the real time commitment came with editing. “It took about four hours to edit,” Ben told me nonchalantly. For me personally, I did not know how much work went into photography—my interview with Ben was very enlightening. Make sure to pay Ben’s door a visit, where it’s tucked right next to The Studio Climbing and The Ritz (Downtown San Jose).
