HJMS Eighth Grader is ARTSONIA “Artist of the Week”

Each week the online student exhibit space ARTSONIA selects works of art from students all around the country in a competition to represent the “Artist of the Week.” The Henry James Memorial School (HJMS) Art Department is proud to announce that 8th grader Benjamin Knight was selected as a winner of the competition for the week of September 24–30 in the 7th–9th grade category.

Throughout one week of competition, visitors to the ARTSONIA site vote on their favorite choice from their designated age group. Knight’s artwork received a whopping 3,697 votes and was awarded the winning prize for the week. His artwork was also featured on the ARTSONIA website during the week of September 24–30.

Knight’s art teacher, Laurel Archambault, was excited to hear about her student’s award. She said, “This was a project where the students had to work on drawing from direct observation and include gradational value (value that transitions smoothly from dark to light). Benjamin chose to draw a bow, which is very challenging. His ability to draw accurately from direct observation was very strong, and his application of colored pencil allowed him to achieve realism in the bow. It’s quite an incredible piece and drawn a little larger than life to make it more impactful.”

Added Archambault, “Benjamin is always a hard worker in class and really pushes himself to do his best. It’s great to see that come alive in his artwork.”

Knight will receive a commemorative plaque and a $50 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials for art supplies. The HJMS Art Department will be awarded a $100 gift certificate from Blick as well. For more information, see Artsonia’s website.