Students from grades K-12 had their artwork displayed in the WHS main gym during this year’s District Art Show. The exhibition was held May 12 and 13 from 9 a.m–4 p.m and 7:30–9 p.m. and on May 14 from 9 a.m–2 p.m, according to the Department of Visual & Performing Arts’ newsletter, Arts a la Carte.
A display at the Art Show, “Law Enforcement – Police Brutality,” has been the center of an online debate because of its depictions of the content matter. (To find out more, click here.)
However, the Art Show is more than just a trending topic. It is a long-standing tradition that highlights the works of students covering diverse subjects. According to Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts Dr. Linda King, the show has been going on for 31 years.
One featured artist was senior Leeza Pesenson. Her sculpture, titled “The Man with Many Hands,” was brought to life from a cartoon she had created. According to Pesenson, it took a lot of hard work to capture the spirit of the original drawing in her sculpture.
EIS eighth grader Celia Lanza said that she took art classes because “it’s something [she’s] always enjoyed doing.” For the show, she drew a portrait of Beyoncé using pencil. She added, “Being in the Art Show is great because everyone can see all the hard work you put into your art.”
Art Teacher Mr. Tim Stumbers said, “Art takes a whole lot of time, and the kids spend a lot of time in the classroom and at home working on it, and it’s nice to see that they get the recognition through the Art Show for all [their] effort.”
Many parents, such as Ms. Heather Schoen, come to the Art Show because their children’s artwork is on display. Said Schoen: “My son has a drawing in the art show. It’s delightful, I’m proud, and the whole family comes to see it. Otherwise, we wouldn’t see [his art] at all because my kids don’t bring any of their good art home, so I’m glad that it’s here.”
Said Schoen: “Every year I am incredibly impressed by the displays from all the grades. It makes me think that our art program in town is outstanding. The truth is, I think a lot of people, especially children, would have no exposure to art if it wasn’t for the school program and these exhibits.”
Stumbers said it was great to see the changes in student work from year to year. “We have a great program here. Kids put in a lot of work and it really shows.”