Hartsdale Teen Wins Best in Show in One River School's National Art Exhibition

HARTSDALE, NY — Artwork from a local student is doing Westchester proud.

A Hartsdale teen has been named a “Best in Show” winner in a national art exhibition organized by One River School. The showcase includes more than 1,800 works by students from its locations across the country.

Sibil K. of Hartsdale was one of eight students selected by contemporary artist Daniel Heidkamp.

One River School, based in Englewood, New Jersey, said it invited teens at its various locations to create an original piece inspired by Heidkamp’s contemporary style. Each artist was asked to depict a place that matters to them, creating work tied to personal meaning. The school said the exhibition combines traditional studio practice and digital creation, including oil painting, chalk pastel, animation and digital design.

“This exhibition gave our teens the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic methods,” said Agnes Mauro, CEO of One River School. “There’s something incredibly special about the way teenagers see the world. They're honest, curious, and unafraid to express what matters to them. It’s an honor to champion their work, because how we listen to and support these young artists now will shape the future they go on to create.”

The original works were first displayed locally at each One River School where the teens are enrolled and are now on view on the organization’s exhibition website.

Heidkamp reviewed all of the submitted artwork and selected eight winners for the “Best in Show” recognition.

“I was drawn to artworks with a strong and clear voice,” said Heidkamp. “I like scenes that depicted sense of place and the natural world combined with an element of personal expression, artistic and colorful touches, and even a glimpse of the surreal, especially when the student was able to show moments from their everyday life and turn it into something artful and beautiful such as Elora’s neighborhood house adorned with flowers. Many pieces that stood out to me had great light. Probably the best example of this is on the red rocks and shadows of Sibel’s Southwest Landscape.”

Sibil and the seven other winners have been invited to Heidkamp’s private studio in Brooklyn on Aug. 14 for a visit and tour. The school said the students will hear about Heidkamp’s artistic journey, create more artwork while receiving personalized feedback, and get guidance on careers in the arts.