By EVA HANEGRAAFF
NORTH READING — Throughout the town, across all grade levels, art is valued and practiced. Students in art classes are encouraged to express themselves through the assignments they are given and make them their own, drawing from their own personalities and styles.
To honor the incredible artwork that North Reading students have created, last Tuesday, April 8, the art departments at all the schools held the annual District Art Show artists’ reception during which students and their families were invited to attend and view the featured student work, as well as enjoy refreshments and snacks provided. This event was held at the High School and run by the high school Art Department head, Andrew Dexter.
The art show exhibit opened Friday, April 4 and runs through today, April 17.
“It is an honor for the visual arts faculty to recognize and celebrate our wonderful students,” Dexter said.
He explains the event deeper in saying, “This art show highlights a wonderful blend of mastered techniques, self-expression, and creativity…unlike most other subject areas, visual arts gives the viewer a glimpse into a young artist’s mood, point of view, and inner beauty.”
The artists’ reception was attended by the art teachers across the five schools and the art exhibit is showcased along “Main Street” in the high school, with the art displayed by school on separate display structures. There was a variety of mediums of art represented, including paintings, drawings, and pottery to name a few.
For many students at the show, this is not the first time their art has been represented, as many tend to stick with art once they get to high school, beginning to utilize their increased freedom in picking classes to continue their journey as artists. Additionally, art is a skill that many believe can translate to other parts of life as well, even beyond high school. As Dexter explains, “The ability to communicate a message visually that may not otherwise be spoken or written is a valuable skill to possess.”
The art show is a highly looked forward to event throughout North Reading, and a tradition that many hope to see continue for many years to come.
“Many students in the show will tell you art is their ‘thing.’ It is important that we support and appreciate these students and their creative achievements,” Dexter believes.
