High School Supports Arts with Exhibit, New Student-Run Gallery and Awards

celebrated art last week with the opening of the annual Student Art Show, a ribbon-cutting and premier exhibit of the school’s new art gallery and the National Art Honor Society induction ceremony.

The high school’s annual art show features work created by students in graphic design, photography, studio art, and architecture and urban planning. Several students were recognized for their outstanding work in all categories. The art will be on display in the BHHS Science & Technology Center/EDC through June 14.

‪Along with an impressive turnout of students admiring their peers’ creativity, others attending the June 4 event included Superintendent Gary Woods, Beverly Hills Education Foundation's new Executive Director Matt Zarcufsky, BHEF President Annette Saleh, department chair of visual arts Keith Rust, department chair of technical arts Tim Briggs, as well as other teachers, school administrators and parents.

With the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the new gallery was officially opened to the public. BHHS graphic design teacher Deb Joseph, who was recently honored by the school district at the , spearheaded the effort along with the BeverlyARTS committee of BHEF. They wanted a space to showcase student work and after after considering other locations, realized they had perfect spot right before their eyes.

The gallery is located in the school’s central stairwell where the art is visible to students and staff every day, along with visitors who attend performances in the school auditorium.

At the same time that the gallery idea was in the works, junior Matt Hakin organized BHHS’ first charter of the National Art Honor Society, an organization that promotes art education and recognizes high school students who show an outstanding ability in art. The exhibit is curated by the BHHS National Art Honor Society. Funding was provided by the BHHS Parent-Teacher-Student Association.  

Special thanks were also extended to faculty adviser and BHHS art teacher Mike Federman along with BHHS art teachers Jim Briggs, Melony Bronder and Keith Rust. Parents Franny Rennie, Deborah Frank, Cindy Dubin and Ronit Stone were also acknowledged for their work and support.

The first show up is titled “Spring: A Breath of Fresh Art.” As the gallery statement explains it, the show “reflects the idea of new beginnings, the emergence of spring and the new life it brings.”

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