Art stretches from wall to wall, each with unique colors, textures, and shapes highlighted against the white background. From hyperrealistic portraits to detailed ceramics, there is much to see. And all of the pieces showcased in this gallery have been made by high school students around the county.
This was the tenth anniversary of the Delaware County Community College Regional High School Art Exhibition, a unique opportunity for student artists to showcase their work. Each year, high school art teachers around the county are invited to submit their students’ pieces. From Jan. 7 through Feb. 6, nine Haven students had the opportunity to showcase their work.
“The exhibition just goes to show how much talent is in our area,” senior Pearl Tweedy said. Tweedy’s work was displayed in the show. “I think it’s really beautiful to see, and I think it’s really great that we can all come together and appreciate each other’s talents.”
The gallery held an open exhibition reception on Wednesday, Jan. 21. For many of the artists, it was their first time experiencing the sight of their own pieces displayed on gallery walls. Sophomore Starling Yue reflected upon the sense of accomplishment of displaying her piece, “Moths All The Way Down,” a digital pattern made from moths.
“Seeing my work on a real exhibition wall, it feels like I’ve achieved something really great,” Yue said. “I love seeing it in person.”
Senior Faye Barnes, who is taking graphic design, won an award for their piece from the college during the exhibition. DCCC faculty recognized one artwork from each participating school. Barnes explained that this piece was a photo of a berry bush in their backyard that they edited in their graphic design class.
“I was in the forest area behind the school, and I saw a branch with little fruits on it, and I thought they looked cool, so I just took a photo,” Barnes said.
Tweedy submitted the piece “untitled” to the gallery. The piece is acrylic on canvas and depicts a vibrant and aged hand reaching for a dull but youthful one.
“I was originally going to call it ‘reaching for a life lived.’” Tweedy said. “My idea was about women and aging and how we are always reaching for youth, because it’s the beauty standard.”
Senior Orli Schoff, who took photography freshman and junior years, entered a photography piece.
“I’m really proud of it. It was really fun making it,” Schoff said.
The exhibition provided student artists and their family and friends with the opportunity to be exposed to art of all kinds.
“I think it’s a really positive thing for all of the students that come here from every district in the county to see the multidisciplinary, fantastic artwork that’s being created,” visual art department chair Mr. Scott Rodgers said.
Rodgers encourages more student artists to showcase their talents and described the exhibit as the perfect gateway to future opportunities.
“It’s all about advertising,” Rodgers said. “If it’s your thing, if you have friends who are in this exhibition, it would be great for you to come out and see their work.”
