Smithtown West Artists Honored With Top Awards

Three students — John Brunner, Deilia Lewis and Samantha Struzzieri — from Steve Halem’s AP Studio Art Class at Smithtown High School West won top awards in the annual Nita Elder Student Scholarship Exhibition, sponsored by the South Bay Art Association.

John won the event’s top prize and is one of only three other recipients of a $1,000 scholarship for his collection of drawings: “Hidden Refuge” (colored pencil), “Injury Won’t Linger” (mixed media) and “Untitled” (pastel). Samantha was awarded $500 from the Women Sharing Art Council for her collection of three drawings: “Skeleton” (mixed media), “Reflection” (colored pencil), and “Pencil Sharpener” (Conte crayon). Deilia was awarded $100 for her acrylic painting titled, “Stop This Train.”

The Nita Elder Student Scholarship Exhibition takes place annually, and according to its website, South Bay is the only art organization in Suffolk County that offers a scholarship competition exhibit for high school senior art students who plan to continue their art education beyond high school. Approximately 100 entries are submitted each year.

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District: HSW AP Studio Art teacher Steve Halem (far left) is pictured congratulating his students who won top awards in the annual Nita Elder Student Scholarship Exhibition. Pictured from left are students Deilia Lewis, John Brunner and Samantha Struzzieri displaying some of their award-winning works.