Lily Decker, Reporter
@lilydcourant
New Canaan High School has captured the skills, creativity, and personal voices of many students during the 6th Annual Students Art Show held at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. This show, titled Through Our Eyes VI , debuted on March 12th at 5pm and previewed over 150 pieces of art from 100 different students.
The organizer of this event, art teacher Jennifer Sinski, was able to talk a lot about the show, especially the level of preparation that went into creating such an organized event, “We prepare for a month prior to the show, first by selecting the artworks, which is a lengthy process. Each artwork that is selected must then be prepared to hang in a gallery,” she said. “This involves printing photographs, matting or mounting artworks, applying hanging mechanisms, labeling, and for filmmaking I create video loops with each of the films to play on different displays throughout the gallery.”
Ms. Sinski elaborates a little more on the process of setting up the show, “A week before the opening, we bring all of the artwork to the gallery and curate the show by deciding on which works look best together. Layout is important.” she said. Finally the work is hung, labeled and lit for display, just in time “to celebrate the efforts of the students and Art Department by joining in reception of the beautiful display.” Ms. Sinski said.
After explaining all of the work that goes into creating Through Our Eyes VI , Ms. Sinski spoke about the pieces within the exhibit and the students that contributed.“There isn’t a theme, instead the work that is selected for the show is what our department considers to be exceptional.” she said. “We look at skill, craftsmanship, concept and creative voice when choosing works to be in this exhibition.” This exhibition incorporates works from all grade levels at New Canaan High
School. Ms. Sinski recognizes the immense amount of time students take preparing their art outside of the show, and makes sure to commend the talent that each of these students hold, “Each student stands out because of the beautiful presentation in this wonderful gallery space.”
With so much work and talent going into this show, expectations were high come opening night. “A lot of hard work and time goes into this, but once we see the families, students, friends and everyone enjoying themselves at the reception, that’s the best part and makes it all worth it!” Ms. Sinski said. “Our school has some very talented, gifted, creative individuals, and it’s so important to us that we share what they are doing in the classroom with the public.”
These high expectations were more than met during the opening of Through Our Eyes VI . Principal, Bill Egan, visited the display and expressed his opinion of the exhibit, “As far as the art shows go I’m always so impressed with the students. They’re so talented, it’s one of my favorite things to do every year.” he said. “The events are so wonderfully set up, the Carriage Barn couldn’t be a prettier place, and honestly with any of our shows at school or in here I’m always so impressed.”
Alongside Principle Egan was one of NCHS’s own artists, Junior Celia Sokolowski talking about what it felt like to be a part of such an event, “It’s not everyday that your art gets put up for dispaly and it feels really good.” All the art teachers were proud to be a part of such a great show as well, such as art teacher Kimmane Core, who explained her pride for the pieces along with the students that dedicated their time and effort to create such great work during the event.
Through Our Eyes VI will continue to be on display in the Carriage Barn Arts Center everyday through March 24th during the hours of 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Feel free to show your support towards the NCHS art community and stop by to see the phenomenal artwork from NCHS students themselves!
