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Date: 5/9/2023
NORTHAMPTON — The annual Northampton High School Student Art Exhibition and Senior Shows have returned in the month of May at a new location.
In past years, these works were on display at the Hosmer Gallery in Forbes Library, but for the first time ever, the exhibit will coalesce at the APE Ltd. Gallery on 126 Main St.
“The Hosmer Gallery at Forbes Library was our amazing host for so many years,” said NHS art teacher Zoe Sasson. “This shift was made in part because we hope to have a long-term partnership between the NHS art program and APE Gallery, a wonderful contemporary art gallery and community resource.”
The art exhibition showcases the work of grade 9-12 students enrolled in 12-plus art classes at NHS taught by Sasson and Louise Martindell.
According to Sasson, the student’s work will include a variety of 2D and 3D work including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed-media and ceramics.
“This is my second year being involved in the exhibition as an NHS art teacher,” Sasson said. “One of my personal goals is to give students the opportunity to see their artwork within the walls of a contemporary art gallery. The experience of seeing one’s artwork hung outside of a classroom can be motivating and inspiring.”
This year’s work includes a variety of themes like place, objects, identity, self-expression, narrative and humor.
“Many of the students’ projects are planned around specific units in our classes, which focus on various concepts,” Sasson said. “During the process of creating each artwork, students have opportunities to invent and reimagine themes. As the art classes within our department progress to intermediate and advanced level, students have more opportunities to explore multiple concepts, and to learn more about their motivations and identities as artists.”
Simultaneously, senior art shows will also return, where Honors Art students from Martindell’s classes prepare a section of the show that highlights a series or concentration from their senior year.
“Senior Honors Art students have the difficult and exciting task of planning their own show, writing artist statements, curating the space at APE Gallery, and hanging the show,” Sasson said. They are thrilled to be part of this experience at APE Gallery.”
With the high school exhibit and shows moving to APE, the JFK Middle School will host their own student art exhibition at the Hosmer Gallery in Forbes from 4-6 p.m. on May 12. Also, NPS fifth graders are exhibiting their artwork throughout the month of May starting May 19.
To celebrate these exhibits, an Arts Night Out reception will occur on May 12 from 5-8 p.m., with music from NHS’s own Jaiden Melter.
The art exhibit and senior shows will be available for viewing until May 25. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12-5 p.m. and Friday 12-8 p.m.
“We anticipate that community members can go to all locations to view the artwork and celebrate NPS artists,” Sasson said.