Columbia High School Student Artists Featured in SOPAC’s “INSPIRED MINDS” Exhibition

From SOMSD:

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Artwork created by 18 Columbia High School (CHS) student artists will be on display at the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s (SOPAC) annual INSPIRED MINDS Young Artist Exhibition, which opens Thursday, June 16. may.^th.

The INSPIRED MINDS Young Artist Exhibition celebrates high school student artists from across Essex County by providing the full experience of exhibiting art in a gallery, from application to exhibition with eventual sale of the works of art on display. The students selected for the next exhibition are:

Director Deeble Jackson, Grade 12

Icelin Gonzales, Grade 11

Audrey Haber, grade 11

Corinne Jin-Hendel, Grade 12

Cam Jones, Grade 11

Ezra Kaminsky, Grade 11

Molly Keegan, Grade 11

Jordan Kinley, Grade 12

Susanna Knutsen, Grade 12

Neve Mahoney, Grade 11

Anastasia Patti-Aquino, Grade 10

Sam Rosenthal, Grade 11

Samuel Taber-Kewene, Grade 12

Maya Weinstock, Grade 11

Reese Wolfinger, year

Teacher: Alexandra Cappucci

Abigail Oettinger, Grade 10

Teacher: Cindy Malhotra

Sam Rosenthal, Grade 11

Saanvi Rohatgi, Grade 10

Carlos Sánchez, 12th grade

Teacher: Rich Cutrona

“I want to congratulate all of our talented student artists who have been selected to display their work in the upcoming exhibit,” said Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, interim superintendent of the South Orange and Maplewood School District. “I also thank and recognize their teachers for all they have done to bring out the best in their students. We are all looking forward to the opening of the exhibition next week.

In anticipation of the exhibit, Fine and Performing Arts District Supervisor James Manno recalls the words of Pablo Picasso who said, “Art is the best possible introduction to the culture of the world. I love him for the buried hopes, the collected memories, the tender feelings that he can arouse with a simple touch. It washes the dust of everyday life from the soul. »

“SOPAC Inspired Spirits: exhibition of young artists is truly a glimpse into the world culture of our young artists in Essex County, New Jersey,” Manno said. “Student participation in this provincial exhibition is an essential part of the curriculum and a pathway to the next level of their artistic endeavors.”

Linda Beard, SOPAC’s director of educational programs, said the students’ talent and creativity shine through their pieces, each telling a unique story and captivating emotions.

“This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these young artists, and we are proud to have the opportunity to support and showcase their work,” Beard said. “This exhibit also highlights our ongoing partnership with the South Orange School District and Maplewood as we continue to collaborate on various initiatives to foster student creativity and artistic expression. By providing a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their work, we aim to encourage and inspire the next generation of artists in our community. Through our partnership, we hope to nurture and support the artistic talents of these students, helping them grow and flourish in their pursuit of their creative voices.

The Inspired Minds exhibition will be held at SOPAC’s Herb + Milly Iris Gallery from May 16 to August 18. An opening reception is planned for Thursday, May 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.