Chase Strupp, Reporter
@Cstruppcourant
Over the years, the Scholastic Art Awards have grown to become the most prestigious program for creative teens in the U.S., as well as the nation’s scholarship source for creative high school artists. From the large number of submissions, several art students from New Canaan High School were successful in gaining recognition in this year’s Connecticut Scholastic Arts Awards and will have their work shown at the University of Hartford.
AP digital art student Hannah Fox and documentary photography student Hannah Gelnaw, both taught by Jeanne McDonagh, were awarded Gold Keys. As Gold Key winners, their artworks will advance to the National Level of competition. Hannah Gelnaw’s photograph entitled “4th of July” was also recognized as the CAEA Best in Photography. Sara Brindisi, the student of drawing teacher Ms. Kimmane Core, received a silver key for her piece, Self Portrait in Chalk.
Many of the students, including senior Sara Brindisi, are happy that their work is receiving such widespread recognition. “It’s a great feeling because as artists we spend a lot of time doing artwork that we appreciate, but that often doesn’t get that same appreciation from others,” Sara said. “The fact that someone saw my drawing and felt that it was something special is something I am very grateful for.”
Similarly, junior Hannah Gelnaw saw this award as a pleasant surprise. “It was really exciting to hear that I won,” Hannah said. “I wasn’t really expecting that much when I entered the show, so it was a great surprise.”
Even though the award winners have invested a lot of time in creating their artwork, they each give credit to their mentors for inspiring them. “My whole family is very supportive and motivational when it comes to my goals, but a big influence in my decision was my cousin that just recently graduated from art school,” Sara said. “I always loved seeing what she was doing in class and I didn’t know that art school fit me until I saw her pursuing her dream in the same way I
wanted to.”
Hannah Gelnaw has found that her photography teacher, Jeanne McDonagh, has motivated her the most through her artistic career. “I think Mrs. McDonagh has been the most influential to my art,” Hannah said. “She has taught all my photography classes, and her lessons really gave me a chance to explore all types and aspects of photography.”
As for the plan for the future, Sara hopes that she will be able to continue her art career. “I’m planning to go to college to pursue a career in fashion design,” Sara said. “I haven’t decided which school I am going to yet, but it will definitely be my major wherever I go; I want to continue being creative in whatever way I can as I get older.”
