Valley Stream 24 Students Demonstrate Innovation, Creativity and Passion at The Olympics of Visual Arts

Sixth-grade students in the Valley Stream 24 School District’s Challenge Program had an inspiring and rewarding experience at the New York State Art Teachers Association’s Olympics of the Visual Arts in Saratoga Springs, where district teams earned awards in several categories.

Led by District Challenge and Enrichment Teacher Amanda Plutner and art teachers from each school, Valley Stream 24 students competed against 75 middle school teams from across New York State in categories including Illustration, Fashion, Painting, Design, Architecture, Sculpture and Drawing.

William L. Buck students JiaYin Z. and Kal-El D. earned first place in the drawing category and the coveted Hyndman Creativity Award for their drawing project titled “Forest of Defense.” Inspired by research on animal camouflage near Niagara Falls, students used invisible ink to give viewers the interactive experience of uncovering hidden animals throughout the artwork.

Second place in the architecture category went to William L. Buck students Parker C., Nicholas R. and Shira W. for their project “Pollinator Conservation Conservatory.” Their model school design was inspired by the structure of a beehive, emphasizing the importance of protecting pollinators and preserving their habitats.

Third place in the sculpture category went to William L. Buck students Gabrielle C., Benjamin G. and Milan S. for their piece “Majestic Mellifera Mother.” The mixed-media tiled sculpture celebrated the queen bee as the powerful center of the hive, blending scientific research and artistic influence.

Third place in the painting category went to Brooklyn Avenue School students Brianna G. and Sophia S. for their piece “Canyon of Light: Where Light Meets the Forest.” The mixed-media artwork was inspired by Letchworth State Park and showcased a split day-and-night scene of deer in their habitat to show how light, emotion, and human impact shape experiences in nature.

Brooklyn Avenue School students Ryan Q. and Sienna W. showcased their design project titled “Earth in Four Courses,” which featured an interactive picnic blanket divided into four seasonal passages. They used natural materials, including sticks and bark, to show how cultures and nature are connected across the world.

Robert W. Carbonaro students Manuel G., Ellice J. and Nigel L. showcased their fashion design expertise with their handmade dress, titled “Ghost Net.” Their inventive garment was constructed entirely out of paper and origami designs to contrast a vibrant, healthy ocean with a tangled net-inspired skirt as an illustration of environmental awareness and the impact of pollution on marine life.

Robert W. Carbonaro students Angel C. and Adam E. created an illustration project titled “A Quilted Night: The Moonlit Owl.” Inspired by Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and the storytelling quilts of Faith Ringgold, their piece used textured materials, layered design and illustrated quilt squares to visually capture the quiet magic, warmth and anticipation of a snowy night spent owling.

The Valley Stream 24 School District proudly congratulates all of the students who competed and celebrates the incredible accomplishments of those who earned awards at this prestigious statewide event. It also thanks Ms. Amanda Plutner and all art teachers for their dedication to this prestigious event.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website athttps://valleystreamschooldistrict24.organd ‘like’ our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict#MakeTheConnection #VS24#InnovatingOurFuture