NAHS showcases school’s talent
May 24, 2013
By OLIVIA IANNONE
Opinion Editor
The National Art Honor Society held its third annual Artist Showcase Thursday evening in the CHS cafeteria.
In addition to fine and graphic art pieces, the display contained photography, 3-D art, books and an animation screening. Most of the art was created in CHS courses related to the art and design theme, but the show also included work from home and other classes such as Creative Writing.
A poetry reading was the most noted new addition to the showcase this year, which was organized by NAHS co-adviser Laura Gesin and junior Linette Reeman of Middletown.
Parents, students and teachers came out to the third annual NAHS Art ist Showcase on Thursday, May 24. The showcase featured art from students and a new addition of a poetry reading.
Parents and guests said they were impressed by the display put together by what Shereen Haas, mother of junior Billie and freshman Sally Haas of Deal, described as “a very talented group of kids.”
“I think it’s fantastic that people are so talented and have the ability to put what they see in their head down on paper,” said Design Academy junior Tiffany Fu of Marlboro.
According to Fu, the artistic abilities of CHS students far surpass those of Colts Neck High School, where she previously studied, a contrast she attributed to CHS’s superior art program and high concentration of devoted students.
Art teacher and NAHS co-adviser Shelley Ortner described sharing her passion of art with such dedicated students a “dream job.”
Ortner cited her mission as a teacher as creating a balance between fine and graphic work to form students into well-rounded artists, which she believes will be crucial to their success in college and beyond.
However, Ortner said that many of the art opportunities presented to CHS students – poster design for school events, for example – are functional rather that creative projects. The NAHS showcase is the best, and perhaps only, opportunity students get to truly express themselves through their art.
Senior Claire Reyes of Tinton Falls said her dedication to art stems from a desire to make people think and feel. A desire that developed when she was a small child watching cartoons.
“I wanted to make people care about things that aren’t even real,” she said.
The art ranged from digital pictures to paintings and drawings. Most of the work was created in classes at CHS, but some students showcased things they created outside of school.
According to Ortner, the purpose of the showcase and of NAHS itself is to “elevate art to a new level within a school and bring in an awareness for advocating for art.”
For the artists, it was a night full of pride for their school and themselves.
“Apollo (Santiago) actually just complimented me on my art,” said Billie Haas. “I almost died.”
