Scenes from the 2012 Student Art Show

An art show featuring the works of Vernon students is currently taking place at the Rockville Public Library.

An Artists Reception was staged on Monday evening, March 5, when a standing-room only crowd of students, teachers, parents, grandparents and friends, as well as art lovers in general, came to view the extensive exhibit. Guests were also able to meet the artists, listen to music courtesy of the RHS Music Department, and enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of the Rockville Public Library.

Entrants to the show consisted of students in grades 1 through 12 and featured works in a variety of media.

Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School art teacher Keith Girard said the annual show takes place each year during national Student Art Month, and this year’s show in particular featured 13 Scholastic Silver and Gold Key winners and honorable mentions.

Fourth-grade student Melody Torres was on hand representing Center Road School with her colorful Ellie the Elephants artwork.

“Art is my favorite subject. I want to be an artist when I grow up,” the 10-year old said.

Rockville High School student Kristen English said, “I really like taking pictures – planning out the light and composition. I took pictures all day today because it was so bright and sunny.”

English, who is a junior, said she has taken art courses at the school but found that photography is her true niche.

 “The first two years I took Photography 1 and 2, which included film and darkroom. In my third and fourth year, I’m taking Digital Photography and Editing and AP Photography,” she said, noting that she currently helps other students in their photography classes.

“My teacher, Ms. Stacer, is really good - she’s got a good eye. She helps me move along to what I want to do for a living. I want to explore the more artistic side [of photography] because I love the composition side, arranging things,” English explained.

Black-and-white and fashion photography is something she said she would like to pursue.

Three high school students, Emily Seekins (10^th grade), Julianne Collopy (ninth grade) and Gwen Vartanian (10^th grade), came dressed as living artwork, adorned with lavish make up and hair pieces. They each had artwork in the show, as well. Vartanian said she would like to pursue a career in art, but where she goes to college is still “up in the air.” For now, she plans to take every art course that is available to her at Rockville High, including those in photography, foundation, digital art, drawing, painting and clay. A painting of limes that she created in her Painting 1 class won a Gold Key award at the show.

The Vernon Public Schools Art Department 2012 Student Art Show will run through March 28 during regular library hours in the Edith Peck Room.