The lyrical sound of poetry echoed throughout the auditorium, floating out the open doors as I walked among the standing displays of artwork from all grade levels in different mediums ranging from pastels to ceramics. Fine Arts Show on Tuesday, May 17 was a true testament to the sometimes underappreciated department as each facet of art was represented in its own way.
Musical performances were given by senior Ryan Lina’s band and junior Christie Macdonald and senior Kelsey Lake. Senior Kirby Browning and sophomore Claire Zurkowski danced in the darkened auditorium in front of a projected image of a vanishing road. Senior Amanda Zivkovic read her poem “Clones” aloud to an enthralled audience.
Outside the auditorium began the maze of tall standing displays that continued down the hall and wove to the right. Each side was devoted to a singular artist from a high-level class or the same sketch done by different students in an introduction class. The adornment of the displays varied from senior Sarah Driver’s entire portfolio to a freshmen [m2] Introduction to Drawing class’s still life pencil sketch of fruit.
For the drawing pencil, oil pastel, and sketchbook categories, freshman Emily Goheen was awarded first place. First place in watercolor landscape was given to freshman Catherine Minnis, and freshman Margaret McGuirk came out on top in the drawing charcoal category. The remaining categories for introduction to drawing and painting were watercolor still life, in which freshman Madison Meyer received first place, and painting soft pastel, which sophomore David Knaide won.
Freshmen were not the only ones that were honored for their artistic achievements. Among others, sophomores Annamarie Morris and Meghan Thompson received third place and honorable mention, Morris for her chalk pastel depiction of crisscrossing power lines over a disappearing road and Thompson for three different pencil sketches of guitars. Juniors Matt Zoltoski and Colleen Zulty were recognized for their work in ceramics. Senior Audrey Schiminger was given the honor of having the best overall portfolio, which included several uncanny self-portraits and charcoal fashion pieces.
After navigating through the maze of standing displays and high tables covered in pottery made by Ceramics classes, patrons could make [m4] their way downstairs, grabbing themselves a snack as they pass the student sketchbooks on display in the hallway overlooking the cafeteria. Taking a right after the tech lab revealed the growth of Fine Arts Show into the guidance hallway, where rows of charcoal drawings cover the walls. A few left turns and a trip down the stairs brought guests to the art wing, where all the magic happened.
While there are always photographs and other artwork on display during a normal school week, a typical busy day does not permit much time to enjoy the scenery. Senior Hannah Street’s picture of a grinning dog won first place, as did senior Megan Cullip’s black and white portrait of a girl with red shoes and lipstick. Senior Conrad Sullivan was also awarded first and third for his portrait of a Holocaust speaker at JC and an upside down Sephora soap bottle, in addition to his gallery of photographs from the Spanish exchange trip.
Other noteworthy displays were sophomore Claire Zurkowski’s collection that included large framed painting of a deer’s skull and senior Sarah Driver’s colorful horizontal painting that previously presided in the guidance hallway. Senior Brooke Basta’s portfolio included her award-winning self-portrait out of painted over pages of The Patriot, as well as various portraits of mainly musicians. Junior Jen Bahng was awarded the ultimate honor, best in show, with her portfolio varying from comic strips to a self-portrait painted in various hues of blue.
Although not all artists can be discussed and properly appreciated, all pieces and performances were stunning in their own way. The growth of participation and attendance at JC’s Fine Arts Show has helped it evolve into a powerful exhibition of artistic talent that should not be overlooked.