FVAC Recognizes Emerging Talent of Simsbury Art Students

Recently Simsbury High School art teachers and their students were invited to participate in the “NEXT: Emerging Talent” exhibit at the Farmington Valley Arts Center (FVAC) in Avon, featuring select work of artists from 12 local schools. Awards were presented at the opening reception on Sunday, February 11 in the Drezner Visitors’ Gallery.

Four young Simsbury artists were invited to exhibit their work:

• Jaden Dagenais, “Untitled” (Watercolor and Pen); Art teacher Thea Ciciotte
• Laura Hinojosa-Silva, “Justice” (Mixed Media); Art teacher Thea Ciciotte
• Lily Mellor, “I’m Not Your Toy” (Mixed Media/Fashion); Art teacher Shannon Gagne
• Casey Janusz, “Walker” (Sculpture); Art teacher Dave Holzman

The work of Jaden Dagenais and Laura Hinojasa-Silva earned Farmington Valley Arts Center awards. Awards were presented by Kate Swanson from the New Britain Museum of American Art. Dagenais' watercolor and pen illustration of a figure was noted for its “its relatability” and “mastery of motion” of the figure. A special award for juniors was presented by the University of Hartford. The “Artist of Promise” Award, accompanied by a $20,000 scholarship, was awarded to Hinojasa-Silva. Her mixed media work, according to official juror’s remarks, showed a “mastery of the medium.”
Exhibit dates are February 10–March 3. The Drezner Visitors’ Gallery is located at 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon.