TOWAMENCIN- Every year, North Penn’s K-pod, J-pod, and boy’s gym experience a makeover as the walls and display cases are filled with amazing, original pieces of colorful art from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Gallery at North Penn offers the feel of an upscale art exhibit without a fancy price, and located conveniently at the high school.
In fact, this cultural experience is free. Mrs. Harris, who has been employed at NP since 1987, enjoys participating in the show because “it is a sort of culmination of their hard work throughout the year, and a way to celebrate.”
Countless pieces of art are carefully placed around the school with the help of students and teachers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. All of this daunting preparation leads towards the final product: the gallery opened on Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9pm.
Students are able to admire paintings, photographs, and ceramics on their way to classes. Fortunate students were given a respite from classes to walk through the art show this week. In order to make the show more interactive, student demonstrators are also included.
According to Harris, the demonstrations include, “demo techniques for portraits, throwing pottery on a wheel, sculpture, painting, drawing, and print-making.”
Art students and teachers worked together to create a mini-gift shop of clay-objects, paintings matted photos, jewelry, tie-dye shirts, and copies of an illustrated cookbook and the Troubadour available in the gym. The proceeds that are collected support the North Penn Art Scholarship Fund. Awards are typically given to one to three deserving students who plan to continue with art in college. This award will be presented during awards night this June.
Students have been channeling their creativity into various projects throughout the year that have been waiting to be put on display.
“I look forward to the art show every year; it’s great to be able to show student art work to the whole community and make everyone proud of their own and each other’s works.,” remarked senior, Elaine Daubney.
“It gives us the opportunity to show the middle and elementary show kids what you can produce when you put dedication and effort into expanding your creativity,” said artist Deanna Perri.
Additionally, most graduating seniors are able to format their creations on their own canvas.
“Senior walls are a big thing- how kids who took three years of art and got certain grades get their own wall in j-pod to display their work in that circumstance,” explained senior Sarah Parotte. Framing their artwork is a poster reflecting which university the seniors will attend, which of course is complete with illustrations and creativity.
Although it is a bittersweet moment when the artwork must be taken down at the end of the show, there is still excitement for the artwork that will grace the halls next year and surely cause students, teacher, and members of the community to stop and stare and maybe inspire the artist in everyone.