The Art Guild’s Nassau County High School Exhibit

On November 7, 2021, The Art Guild unveiled its High School Art Exhibition to a crowd of over one hundred and fifty attendees. The exhibition showcased artwork in a variety of mediums including watercolor, oil, charcoal, colored pencil, and digital media as well as some three-dimensional pieces. The submissions ranged in subject matter from self-portraits and still-life drawings to abstracts and social statements. In total, students representing nineteen Nassau County schools submitted almost one hundred and fifty works of art. Jason Cuvelier, art educator at the Long Island High School for the Arts and the Curator of the 2021 show, commented that he “was immediately struck by the variety of subject matter.” He added, he was “Pleased with the number of artworks with relevant cultural issues being addressed.”

Sixty-eight pieces of art were accepted into the show. Mr. Cuvelier observed that he was “struck by the time and effort the curating committee put into choosing and organizing the show.” Without exception, the Gallery attendees raved about the exhibit and the quality of work. Maria Verni, an art educator from Glen Cove schools said, “The exhibit was amazing. It’s so wonderful to see artists from local schools, and to be able to showcase and recognize their talents.”

The Art Guild has been curating a High School Show since it moved into its current space at Elderfields Preserve in 2009. Ilene Silberstein, Co-President of The Art Guild, said “One of our missions is to provide artists with an opportunity to showcase their work. With high school students, that mission is even more important.”

Natalie Hayes from East Rockaway High School was awarded first place for her colored pencil drawing “Ignorance is Bliss.” Amber Dacanay from East Meadow High School was awarded second place for her colored pencil on paper drawing entitled “Where’s the Other Five Percent,” and Emily Sontag from Manhasset High School won third place for her oil on canvas entitled “The Hands of the Cardinal Sins.” Serena Li (Great Neck South High School), Lily Wagner (Hicksville High School) and Derek Yu (Great Neck South High School) also received recognition for their artwork.

While discussing her experience, Ms. Hayes said, “Viewing my work along with the work of many talented artists was an amazing experience. Not only was it awesome to see the pieces that other growing artists created, meeting them just topped it all off.” Ms. Dacanay expressed similar sentiments to Ms. Hayes. Ms. Dacanay said, “It was incredibly inspiring to see so much talent from all over the county, especially seeing a broad range of topics being channeled through a mutual passion for art.” Lily Wagner said of her participation, “I feel honored to have my artwork on display with so many talented artists. Seeing my work on display makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than just my own personal artistic exploration. Having the opportunity to see others’ work inspired me greatly.”

All participants were awarded certificates of “Recognition, Achievement, and Appreciation” from Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte of the Town of North Hempstead. Refreshments for the show were sponsored by Dime Community Bank. Blick Art Supplies sponsored gift bags for all participants.

The 2021 Nassau County High School show will be on display until November 27th and the gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-5pm. Educators, family, friends, and community members are invited to view the gallery. The next gallery exhibition is entitled “Rock, Paper, Glue, Scissors.” The opening reception is on December 5th, 2021, and the show will be on view until January 8, 2022. Visit theartguild.org for more information.

The Art Guild of Port Washington

200 Port Washington Blvd

Manhasset, NY 11030

516-304-5797