By Devon Tabor
“There are painters who transform the sun into a
yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence,
transform a yellow spot into the sun.” - Pablo Picasso
In Yellin, Mrs. McTague’s classroom
has a banner that reads “Art is in Everything”, and I feel that this is the
true essence of art. Without art, life would be... horribly boring, to say the
very least. Our government would function out of giant grey buildings,
unadorned with the breathtaking murals and sweeping architecture that we know
and love. What would the Capitol Building look like without its Neo-Classical
facade? Or it's grandiose dome? Our public squares would be void of the
awe-inspiring statues and monuments that we see as a testament to our enriched
and colorful past. What would the Sistine Chapel be without the ethereal
Michelangelo, The Last Judgment? Or what if Walt Disney had never drawn
the first draft of the now-iconic Mickey Mouse? Or Van Gogh never painted Starry
Night? We can even see art in music. Everywhere, from Beethoven’s stunning
symphonies, to Adele holding a note while singing, there is art. We would be
nothing without art, because we are art, and art is us.
Earth, without art, would be just
‘Eh.’
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| Art teacher Ms. Maskaly poses with Rachael Mele, grade 11. |
This year marks the 35th official
Sterling High School Art show. This is one of the many things that makes
Sterling High school truly unique. In its 35 years of existence, the Art Show
has survived countless Sterling High budget cuts, recessions, and nationwide
economic problems, and still remains strong today. Art is a universal language,
which is why it is such a great honor to have such a long-running show grace
Sterling’s walls. In the one day that the Art Show aired, many teachers bought
their students to go see the show, because it’s a good thing to show this
generation the benefits of the arts. We need to show our next generation the
arts, because they can be a great addition to our culture as a whole.
Each year awards are given to certain students for their
artistic abilities. The awards are broken into 13 distinct categories:
foundation, design, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media,
sculpture, ceramics, three-dimensional design, computer graphics, best
individual exhibitor, and best in show. In each category, there is a prize for
first place, second place, third place, and of course, honorable mention.
That’s 52! Can you say ‘a lot of awards’?
Once
again, the Art Show didn’t cease to amaze. Although this year the show only ran
for one night, unlike the customary week, many people came out to enjoy the
many pieces and panels that graced the Old Gym. Children and adults alike
enjoyed the show. Generation to generation, people enjoy seeing art from all
walks of life.
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| The 35th Annual Interdistrict Art Show |
As you walked in, you were greeted by three
pen & ink drawings, titled “The Horse Barn”, “Praying Hands”, and “The
Horse Barn at Dobbs’ Farm,” all of which were
graciously donated by artist-in-residence Riccardo Veggian. All three
were beautiful, and all proceeds were donated to the causes of Kevin McGuire
and Samm Ragone, two Knights who have been affected by different forms of
cancer.
One of the annual highlights of the art show is the Board of Education Art Commission piece. This year, Kellsie Costigan prepared a colored pencil on paper piece entitled "Preparing for The Stage of Life."The subject of the 2012 Art Commission is a visually powerful metaphor that shows actors standing in place behind the curtain as they await their cue to take the stage. The different costumes represent the variety of vocations and the skills learned through education that enables students to realize their career goals. Kellsie Costigan's use of dramatic shadows and rich colors accented by a filtered spotlight create an intimate anticipation of the exciting performance that is soon to begin on 'the stage of life."
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| Kellsie Costigan's "Preparing for The Stage of Life" |
The class of 2015 was selling water, soda, pretzels, and
baskets to raise money for their prom costs. The Band boosters sold many
delicious treats and desserts in the halls from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the VFW
even made it out! They sold Phillies tickets, and split the earnings of the
sales with Sterling.
Sterling’s Silvertones gave an amazing performance at the
show, which started at 7:30. Everyone who participated had a great voice, and
they had a very nice range of vocals to grace Sterling’s Art Show! Last but not
least, the Anime Club made an appearance with their amazing performance. The
Anime Club gave a fantastic show of Japanese culture, as well as a wonderful
faux sword-fighting display. Their teachings of Japan and its associated
culture have enlightened all who came to see their show.
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| Sophomore Kayla Matteo poses with her work. |
2012 STERLING INTERDISTRICT ART SHOW AWARD WINNERS
The following students won first place honors and special awards at the annual art inter-district art show:
