The Feb. 7, 2010 opening of the 23rd annual "Touch the Future" student art exhibit at the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts highlighted the bountiful artistic talent of Bucks and Montgomery county public high school students. Three best of show winners were announced as well as 14 category winners and two PSEA Purchase Prize winners.
Approximately 1200 pieces of artwork were submitted by 28 school districts to this year's show, sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (MER/PSEA) and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). Erin Elman, dean of continuing studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and this year's judge, juried 228 pieces into this year's show in categories that included printmaking, painting, digital imaging/computer graphics, sculpture, and more.
"I was overwhelmed by not only the quantity and diversity of artworks submitted for consideration, but most of all by the high quality of the work across media," said Elman. "I was seeking work that had a transcendent power, or spoke to issues outside of the medium. I felt that these young artists possessed the ability and the vision to 'touch the future' through their art. The work of these students is a testament to their teachers, who are creating the next generation of artists and leaders. "
The annual event began as a memorial to NASA's "teacher in space," Christa McAuliffe, whose motto was "I touch the future...I teach." It gives students the opportunity to participate in a professionally juried show, and the public the opportunity to experience innovative, top-quality creative pieces that go far beyond the assumed capabilities of high school students.
The event is chaired by art teachers Lynne Pribis of Upper Dublin High School, Joanne Harris of North Penn High School, Ian Williams of Wissahickon High School and Connie Berger of Cheltenham High School.
Said Jim Sando, MER/PSEA president, "We are excited to host this show every year, especially at great local galleries like this year's location, the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts. It's very encouraging to see the talent and dedication of our students. They prove year-in and year-out that education cannot be measured by test scores alone. Their artwork, and the accomplishments of so many students across all disciplines, demonstrates the importance of providing a well-rounded school experience for all children."
The exhibition will be open to the public through Sunday, Feb. 28, free-of-charge, during gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts is located in the former Masonic Temple on Main Street in historic downtown Lansdale at 311 West Main Street; please enter from Madison St. For more information on the center, please call 215-361-1296 or visit www.lansdalecpa.org.
Winners by county are as follows (with best of show and purchased pieces highlighted with an asterisk):
Bucks County
Central Bucks East High School
*Hannah Bromley, Third Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Helene Moriarty)
William Tennent High School
Cameron Nottage, Best of Category - Digital Imaging/Computer Graphics
(Instructor Amanda Penecale)
Ryan Ross, Best of Category - Traditional Silver Print
(Instructor Kristen King)
Council Rock North High School
James Sturner, Best of Category - B&W Drawing
(Instructor Lynne McDowell)
Ashley Hendrix, Best of Category - Color Drawing
(Instructor Lynne McDowell)
Council Rock South High School
* Caroline Hardy, Metal Piece titled "Inside-Out" - Purchased Piece
(Instructor Christine Casella)
Pennsbury High School
Courtney Kruscavage, Best of Category - 3D Mixed Media Sculpture
(Instructor Curtis May)
Rebecca Pollock, Best of Category - 3D Single Medium Sculpture
(Instructor Danyelle Lala)
Neshaminy High School
*Ashley Schatfer, Second Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Kris Troxell)
Montgomery County
Cheltenham High School
*Victoria Viletto, First Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Merav Nesvisky)
Methacton High School
Kelsey Bolognese, Best of Category - Fiber-Crafts
(Instructor Nancy Marcinko)
Springfield Township High School
Martha Meiers, Best of Category - 3-D Functional
(Instructor Mark Kobasz)
Spring-Ford High School
Rachel Young, Best of Category - Jewelry/Metals
(Instructor Karen Tagg)
Upper Dublin High School
Molly Metz, Best of Category - Painting (Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor)
(Instructor Lynne Pribis)
Tori Snyder, Best of Category - 2-D Design
(Instructor Jen Tulli)
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
Shawn Donahue, Best of Category - Digital Photography
(Instructor Candace Maggioncalda)
Lower Merion High School
Desmond Ellis, Best of Category - Printmaking
(Instructor David Hazel)
Cheltenham High School
* Logan Niederriter, Best of Category and Purchased Piece - 2D Mixed Media
(Instructor Connie Berger)
