Families, friends, and community members gathered at the recent Art Salon to celebrate works of art by students in the Briarcliff High School Visual Arts Department.
This annual tradition showcases a variety of works of art – from paintings and illustrations to sculptures, digital art, photography, film shorts, and much more.
The artworks were displayed in the CLIFF Center, and attendees also enjoyed live music and refreshments.
“The Visual Arts program at Briarcliff is not only for the gifted student or the exceptionally talented,” said art teacher Jessica Dubin. “It is designed for all students as an integral part of a well-rounded education. The greatest challenges facing the world today need to be met with originality, creativity, and critical thought – three things that our program is designed to meet head on. The student artwork in the show integrates technical skill with larger theoretical issues such as art history, cultural diversity, and the role of the individual in a global society.”
Kathryn Ottomanelli, an artist and BHS alumna, was the guest speaker. Ottomanelli currently chairs the Visual Arts Department at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua.
Several students received awards, most notably – senior Fiona Xu, who won the Rhoda Holzer Memorial Scholarship. This award is given each year to a Briarcliff senior who intends to study art in college.
Fiona, who plans to study illustration at ArtCenter College of Design in California, also received a certificate of recognition for Exceptional Achievement from New York State Senator Pete Harchkam. The certificate was given by Sen. Harckham’s Director of Communications, Thomas Staudter.
Fiona also received the “Da Vinci – Outstanding Portfolio Award.”
“We were thrilled to see so many people show support for the arts,” said Dubin, who is retiring this year. “This event was a wonderful ending to my career at Briarcliff, and I hope those who attended enjoyed a great evening.”
Additional award winners:
Freshman Jayden Olivo – Graphic Design
Sophomore Joseph Mulligan – Photography
Senior Jordan Melnick – National Art Honor Society Service & Excellence
Freshmen David Almendarez, Drennon Wu and Rebecca Rogers and sophomore Robin Willey – Promising Artist
Junior Lily Amed and sophomores Miranda Dempsey and Lucy Sternfeld – Andy Warhol – 2D Design
Sophomores Maya Chrzanowski and Danny Dempsey – Basquiat – Creative Expression
Sophomore Jade Fuller – Brice Marden-Drawing Excellence
Senior Mark Karpiak and sophomore Jenna McDonough – Film Excellence
Seniors Pen Anderson and Jem Behr were recognized for their contributions to the visual arts at the school and all of the seniors received flowers.
