By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Marlton Sun
Several area high schools submitted artwork featured in The Burlington County High School Student Exhibition at the Center for the Arts in Southern New Jersey.
The artist reception was held Jan. 17.
“We’ve done this show for several years,” said executive director for the center Ann Macready. “We wanted to give the students an opportunity to hang their artwork.”
Cherokee High School, Seneca, Lenape, Shawnee, Hampton Academy, Northern Burlington County and Pemberton Township submitted artwork to the show.
Two students from each school were honored for their work in the show.
“It was a nice surprise for the students to be honored,” said Macready.
Macready noted in previous years the artwork offered was produced in a darker theme, and was a good outlet for students to experiment. She noted the good vibes and bright colors in this year’s show.
“They’re teenagers,” Macready said. “Their emotions come out in their artwork.”
Macready noted how enjoyable the setup of the actual show was “There’s pop art, and art hanging from the ceiling. It’s just fantastic. Other pieces were done using recycled products, it’s really great,” she said.
Each school was able to submit 10 pieces of work to the show. A total of 77 pieces of work hung along the walls and from the ceiling of the historic house.
Twelve Cherokee students submitted work utilizing various mediums.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for high school students to display their work,” said Cherokee art teacher Charlotte Henning. “We don’t get that many opportunities to show how talented the kids are.”
Cherokee senior Alexis Nimberg submitted an acrylic piece entitled “Starburst.”
“I heard about [the show] through school,” she said. “It took me two weeks to make [the piece]. I like it.”
Danielle Farino and Victoria Wanagosit of Cherokee were given awards of excellence from the center.
Farino, a senior, submitted the acrylic painting entitled “Abstract Tricycle,” which was originally a final project she had received an A on.
“I think it came out good,” she said. “I made it last year and apparently everyone loves it.”
The painting was based off the work of French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, best known for his paintings about the famed Moulin Rouge.
She said “Abstract Tricycle” was inspired by his movie posters, specifically his “Can-can” piece.
Farino is currently in the process of applying to colleges including Temple University and University of the Arts, both located in Philadelphia.
“I want to major in graphic design or illustration,” she said noting she has an interview at UArts coming up.
Recently elected Cherokee Art Club president, junior Emily Gazzara submitted artwork entitled “Owl.”
Despite involvement in the art program, she’s still unsure of her future as an art major.
Following the show, Gazzara wants to get the club more involved with shows.
“I think it would be really good, especially for the freshman and sophomores to do this,” she said.
Macready deemed the night a success for the center, students and their guests.
“I think it went very well. We’re so proud to give the students the gallery space,” she said. “I love coming here, especially with all the creativity. This is an exceptional show. They should all be proud, because we are.”
The Burlington County High School Student Exhibition will run until Jan. 28 at the Center for the Arts in Southern New Jersey located at 23 South Elmwood Road in Marlton.
The gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
For more information, call (856) 985–1009.
