Eight students from the Scotia-Glenville Central School District will have their artwork displayed this month in the 19th annual Legislative Art Show as part of an exhibit that features artwork from area schools.
Elementary art teacher Adrienne Hall, who splits her time between Lincoln and Glendaal schools, said being part of the art show has been a very rewarding experience for past students involved, and she predicted this year would be no different.
A reception on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. allows the students to mingle and have their pictures taken with Assembly members.
This year, Hall submitted two pieces of art from each school. One piece, Woven Illusion, from Lincoln Elementary fifth-grader Samantha Mabie, was inspired by Chuck Close and the Op Art movement. Also from Lincoln was a piece by third-grader Lily Murphy titled `Fall Harvest,` which Hall said was inspired by artist Paul Cezanne’s still-life paintings. From Glendaal, Hall submitted fourth-grader Kala Aydlott’s piece called `Falling Leaves,` which features printed leaves on fabric and a rubber-block stamp border. Also chosen from Glendaal, was third-grader Jenna Stuart’s piece `Impressions of Van Gogh,` inspired by the artist’s painting of a vase of sunflowers.
`They are all aware that their pieces were chosen, and they are very excited,` said Hall.
The Legislative Art Show is a show that New York State Art Teachers Association members have the option of participating in. Fine Arts Director for Scotia-Glenville Susan Fitting said each year the teachers choose two pieces from the first half of the year and then submit them to the show.
`It showcases for the community the high levels of talents our students have. We have ongoing roving art shows throughout the community, and I can’t tell you the number of times parents bring their children to the venues to take their pictures with the artwork. It is a huge confirmation for the students of their talent and skill,` said Fitting.
Middle school art teacher Emily Juda said she chose sixth-grader Troy Gapczynski’s scratchboard design and a colored pencil illustration by seventh-grader Sarah Ryle to represent the middle school, along with work from two eighth-grade students, Abigail Pietrow and Alexis Webb.
Co-chair of the show Joan Davidson of NYSATA said the organization encourages area art teachers to take part in the show because it is an opportunity for teachers to be advocates for art in public schools.
`We need to ensure that the arts programs are kept alive and well-funded in our schools, and at all grade levels,` said Davidson.
The artwork will be on display Jan. 16 to 23 in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. “