SHHS Seniors Show at Annual Art Exhibit

Once a year, select members of Sleepy Hollow High School’s graduating class are chosen to participate in a Senior Art Show, and the class of 2010 did not disappoint.

Dozens of students, families and locals crowded into Studio A Gallery on Friday to take a look at more than 10 students’ art work, ranging from paintings, to photography, to sculptures.

Athena Bing He, owner of the gallery, was pleased to provide a space for the students to display their work. She knows how hard it is to display personal artwork at such a young age and was proud to be a part of the experience because she believes “art is important to have in one's life" and "it is a beautiful hobby.”

As people browsed around the gallery, they listened to live music performed by two groups of Sleepy Hollow students and alumni, including Matt Durso, David Salter, Roy Lotz, Jay Lotz, Will Holland and Nicolette Schoen.

Kristen Dreher, one of the many art teachers at Sleepy Hollow High School, commented on the night being “bittersweet.”

Dreher looks forward to this event every year because “it is a celebration of the students' artistic experiences throughout their years at Sleepy Hollow.”

This year's students hold a special place in her heart because they represent a lot of versatility.

“Each student has their own individualistic ways, they follow their heart,” said Dreher.

She was also proud to have a great deal of alumni come to support the event, including band members Roy Lotz and David Salter, who both graduated from Sleepy Hollow last spring and are studying music in college.

Brigid Chillemi, one of the night's featured artists, has decided to continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology next fall. Although Chillemi has chosen to study textiles, she plans to continue taking photographs in her spare time.

"The art teachers at Sleepy Hollow helped shape who I am, especially Ms. Dreher and Ms. Langston, because they always encouraged me to continue art," she said.

Chillemi added the environment in the art classrooms is very special for the students because “there is always music playing in the room, which allows the students to be in a relaxed mood and can help you work on your pieces a lot more freely."

Kelly Pereira, another featured student, is interested in studying art as a minor next year at Fordham University.

She agreed with Chillemi and stated she will "miss the teachers and the environment in the art classrooms because they were always my favorite place to go.”

This year’s art show was truly a success because each student who participated in the event was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to display his or her hard work and dedication.

The senior class is known for their competitive academic and athletic achievements, and on Friday, proved they excel in the arts as well.

The class of 2010, once again, set high standards for the class of 2011.