Eva Pace, Reporter
@espcourant
The front lobby of NCHS has been stirring as seniors scramble to post their artwork in final preparation for the Senior Art Show, “Off We Gogh”. Twenty-one members of the senior class have chosen to display their stand-out artwork in a formal gallery setting from April 28 to June 9.
This year marks the 29th Annual Senior Art Exhibition. Art teacher Jeanne McDonagh has been giving her insight to the artists involved in the show since its first year, and emphasizes that the shows are only possible because of the respect the students show to the creative community. “There are very few schools that have a gallery in their lobby with open access to students all the time,” Ms. McDonagh said. “We have that opportunity here, kids are respectful and we’re able to display work without it being harmed.”
Ms. McDonagh also commends the students involved on the high-quality work they put into the art show to make it the best it can be. “There is a requirement that all students involved have to partake in the organization of the show, taking a job,” Ms. McDonagh said. “The teachers are there to support and help the students, but if there is an issue the students can handle it on their own.”
Senior artist Jessica Dantas has been attending almost all of the galleries since sophomore year, and she feels that being a part of this process is an exciting and rewarding experience. She has previously been recognized for her artwork at NCHS as well as Sacred Heart University. “I will be contributing digital illustrations, photographs, graphic design and drawings to the show,” Jessica said. “With the help of my advisor, I have been printing and putting all of my pieces up to prepare.”
Jessica feels that the preparation process, even though it may be a lot of work, ultimately strengthens the bond between the artists involved. However, what she truly feels makes the art show unique are the seniors that participate. “All of the other artists in the show are good friends or artists I completely recognize talent in,” she said. “This art show is special because it’s only the seniors, and we’re a good group working together to make this happen,” she said.
Senior Berlin Charles also feels that the art show is an opportunity to showcase his creative talents, since he will be performing at opening night. “The art show is a great opportunity for seniors to come together for something that we love to do,” he said. “Whether or not we are planning to do it professionally, which I personally am not, we get to showcase what we’ve learned through all the amazing art classes at NCHS.”
Ms. McDonagh feels that, as an advisor of the art show, the amazing feeling that she gets after seeing that the hard work that is put into the exhibit will pay off makes it all worthwhile. “In September, you don’t have a clue whether or not the students will be able to pull this off,” she said. “It is a very rewarding experience as a teacher to see that the show will be successful because of the wonderful work the students have done.”
Similar to senior art shows in the past, many of the art pieces on display will be for sale. Three seniors will also have the opportunity to have their work purchased for the NCHS Fritz Eager Foundation for the Art Education – Art Collection, which will then be on permanent display throughout the high school.
To see what new artwork has been hiding behind white poster paper for the last few weeks in the front lobby, come to the Senior Art Show, “Off We Gogh”, tonight at 5:00. If you can’t make it, tune into the NCHS Courant Instagram for live footage of the event!
