Monday, June 4, 2012

A Knight of Art

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.’

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.

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."
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.

Sophomore Kayla Matteo poses with her work.
As someone who helped set the Art Show up, I can say that I felt that this was a great year for history. Mrs. Maskaly said that she felt that “all the pieces were great,” and I agree to the fullest. The panels were adorned with amazing pieces, the walls hung with many splendid pieces from all the art classes, and the full-length portraits were phenomenal. Every clay sculpture and pot were expertly carved and crafted, and the children poured their hearts into their pieces. People of all ages enjoyed the show, as far as I could see. It was a genuinely nice atmosphere, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As I’ve said before in this article, the Art Show is one of the many things that makes Sterling truly unique. We have a great art program, and I can say from personal experience that our art program has made me decide my path in life. Our Art Show does not fail to disappoint, and this year was no exception.


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:



            Painting 

  • Rachel Mele, 11

Drawing 

  • Kellsie Costigan, 12 

Mixed Media

  • Angela Anconetani, 12 

2-Dimensional Design 

  • Rachel Mele 11

Sculpture 

  • Dillon Snook,12 

Ceramics 

  • Frank Weissinger, 12 

Printmaking

  •  Blake Wagner, 12

Art I 

  • Kiersten Steffa, 11 

Computer Graphics I 

  • Gary Mayland, 12

Computer Graphics II 

  • Giuseppi Genoese, 12

Computer Graphics III 

  • Brie Betlejewski, 11

Photography/Graphic Design 

  • Jordan Perry, 12

Best Individual Display

  •  Kellsie Costigan, 12

Best in Show

  • Kellsie Costigan, 12

BOARD OF EDUCATION 2012 ART COMMISSION 

  • “Preparing For the Stage of Life” - Kellsie Costigan, 12

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