LM art students stormed this year’s Annual PSEA Touch the Future Student Art Exhibit, occupying a mas¬sive 10 percent of all chosen work from 26 local schools.
The show, which is celebrating its 23rd birthday this year, is open to schools all over Pennsylva¬nia’s Mideast Region. Out of the 226 pieces chosen from 1200 works submitted, LM was more than well represented with 25 submissions in all different mediums. The Metal Arts and Ceramics programs were especially showcased, followed closely by charcoal, print making, painting, and 2D Mixed Media.
“I am especially pleased that the ceramic work selected was original, creative, and demonstrated wonderful craftsmanship,” beams Ceramics teacher Kay Moon.
According to art teacher and department chair Russ Loue, the sophistication of LM’s art program has always been acknowledged by the PSEA art show.
“I’m always confident that we’re go¬ing to have a large number of pieces,” said Loue. “Not only do we get a lot of work chosen, but we usually get a lot of awards. It’s a quality of both the kids and the staff here, something we are proud of.”
LM’s art program has always been a point of pride for both students and staff all over the school, and both are appreciative of the recognition LM has received over the past 23 years.
“It’s an honor,” said senior Jen Jovinelly, who had a ceramic piece chosen for the second year in a row.
Despite the students’ humility, the fact that LM is so well represented at the show is no surprise. Anyone who has ever taken an art class at LM or even observed one can feel the artistic charisma just radiating out of both teachers and students. The staff members, Russ Loue, Daniel Ha¬zel, Louise Pierce, Harriet Ackerman, and Kay Moon, are earnest and skilled teach¬ers. They are all serious and passionate about both artistic creativity and teaching, providing constant attention to stu¬dent projects and offer¬ing honest, frank, advice and critique.
The staff’s thorough and unique teaching is solidified and intensi¬fied by frequent student critiques throughout the school year. This pro¬cedure offers students a chance to observe and evaluate each other, a process continuously en¬couraged year round. It is no wonder LM’s art program is recognized annually by the PSEA as noteworthy.
To see the selected pieces and LM’s own first-prize winner Desmond Ellis’ printmaking, the PSEA Touch the Future Student Art Exhibit will continue at Lansdale Cen¬ter for the Performing Arts through February 28.
Leah Rosenbloom
Class of 2011
