Pigments Of The Imagination

Ten KUA students served a visual feast at the 14th Annual High School Exhibition at AVA Gallery in Lebanon, NH.

The regional show is held annually to showcase artwork by students from 10 schools throughout the Upper Valley and juried by a different working artist each year. This year’s juror, Sabrina B. Fadial, is a multi-talented metalworker, sculptor, and RISD alumna who teaches at Norwich University. 
 
The show opened on January 28 and culminated with a closing reception on February 24 which celebrated all participants, particularly the juror’s favorites. A sizeable crowd of families, faculty, and students from each school gathered in the gallery for the awards ceremony, and two of KUA’s young artists received honorable mentions during the event. Brianna ’22 was recognized for her ceramic piece, Cake Stand, a meticulously crafted work with finely detailed glazing; and Kate ’22 received an honorable mention for her painting, See, a close-up portrait with intense lighting and a hypnotic gaze.  
 
“I love that there’s emphasis on this being a local show,” says Julie Haskell, dean of faculty and art teacher. “I feel as though we get so bubbled this time of year, and it’s great for students to see other artists’ work.” 
 
The exhibition offered a multi-sensory experience as visitors meandered among the students’ work. A large-scale installation featured hundreds of gold foil paper cranes; numerous sculptures ranged from comical to curious. Dozens of wood burl carvings, altered books, paintings, and drawings offered insight into the students’ perspectives on topics spanning topics from personal identity to climate change. A glass case displayed several wearable pieces, including a silver bracelet created by Fiona ’23 which was featured on the online brochure for the show. 
 
The inspiration for my piece began as an attempt to depict a branch of thorns that is wrapped around the wrist, however, the piece evolved,” says Fiona. “The creation process was complicated and Mrs. Herfort taught me many new skills.” 
 
For those who were unable to attend the reception in Lebanon, there are two upcoming opportunities to view artwork by KUA students on campus: the capstone showcase, featuring work by two young artists on May 6, and the student art show on May 12, which features work by all KUA art classes. In addition, Maggie Mayfly Kuntz-Joseph, an abstract artist based in the Upper Valley, will present a show at Taylor Gallery opening on April 1. 
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