Youth Art Dazzles At Phillips’ Mill; Bucks County Winners Announced

NEW HOPE, PA —The next generation of artists were honored at the 11th annual Youth Art Exhibition awards ceremony where winners across five categories were announced on Saturday, January 27.

More than 140 works of art from students attending 23 area high schools, including Central Bucks and Council Rock, fill the walls of the historic Phillips’ Mill. An excited crowd gathered to offer congratulations to the talented young artists who participated in this year’s extraordinary show, as well as to their encouraging teachers and supportive families.

Zoya Gupta from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South was awarded "Best In Show" for her captivating painting, ‍"Dislocation."

Zoya Gupta's "Dislocation."

Renowned, Trenton-based artist Mel Leipzig, who served as this year’s awards juror, had high praise for Gupta’s work.

'The humanity of the piece is astounding. I wanted a piece that knocks you out when you see it for Best in Show," he said. "The painting is extremely well constructed with terrific composition, color, and subtlety of tones. The cast shadows are painted in black and hold your attention. The black and the white diagonal line help clarify and define the space. The blue/violet shirt is a great contrast to the otherwise warm reds and yellows. Zoya Gupta should be proud of what she did in Dislocation," Leipzig commented.

Also garnering top honors in their categories are Annabelle Schu of Council Rock High School South for "Painting, Blowing Bubbles"; Anagha Kannurpatti from Council Rock High School North for "Works on Paper, Illumination"; Jack Weber of Notre Dame High School for 3-Dimensional Works, "Splitting River"; Meghan Smith from Hunterdon Central Regional High School for her photography, "Grey November"; and Summer Layre from Central Bucks High School East for digital art, "Self-Portrait."

"Illumination" by Anagha Kannurpatti from Council Rock North.

A full list of awards is posted on the Phillips’ Mill website at www.phillipsmill.org/art/youth-art-exhibition#2024-award-winners.

The public is invited to enjoy the exhibition which will be open this weekend from noon to 4 p.m. at the Mill as well as available online at www.phillipsmill.org/art/youth-art-exhibition. Some of the works are for sale with all proceeds going to the artists. Funded entirely by generous supporters and Phillips’ Mill members, there are no costs for students or schools to participate, making the Youth Art Exhibition a true gift to the community. The show is free of charge although your support is greatly appreciated.

Summer Layre from Central Bucks High School East won top honors for "Self-Portrait" in the digital art category.

Celebrating student art is just one of the many ways Phillips’ Mill continues to honor the traditions of its founders, William Lathrop, Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, and other notable artists who nurtured the students of their day nearly a century ago.

The historic Mill serves as a picturesque backdrop to showcase the immense talent of local student artists then and now. To learn more about all the dynamic exhibitions, programs, events and educational opportunities available at Phillips’ Mill and discover the benefits of membership, check out the website at www.phillipsmill.org.

Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, New Hope 18938. For information, call 215-862-0582.