By Emma Barhydt
As April days go from gray rainy mornings to beautiful sunny afternoons, students’ thoughts turn from essays and tests to the freedom of summer. Amid the transition period of late spring, the halls of New Canaan High School are abuzz with the 37th Annual Senior Art Show, aptly titled “Metamorphosis.”
This event, which began on April 25th, is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the artistic journey and achievements of the graduating seniors. On display until June 7th, the exhibition is housed in the Main Lobby Art Gallery, where the works of eighteen exuberant young artists are showing their works, transforming the space into a showcase of ideas, emotions, and artistic dialogue.
“Metamorphosis is the title of the exhibition – a fitting name that students chose to encompass this special display of a four-year, artistic journey for many of them,” says art teacher and advisor to the project Jennifer Sinski. The theme encapsulates the transformative experiences of the students; their growth, discovery, and self-expression. Each of the exhibits is an intimate portrayal, meticulously crafted by a senior, allowing visitors a glimpse into their personal and artistic evolutions.
The seniors featured in this year’s show include Brooke Anfidsen, Apollonia Antoniou, Justin Barnum, Griffin Bramwit, Madelyn Casey, Aaron DeChiara, Jasper Engle, Jake Fox, Alexandra Gelvin, Kailey Marti, Maren McDaniel, Natalie Minckler, Olivia Mitchell, Christian Passios, Edward Rodgers, Halle Roddy, Clara Wollmeringer, and Eric Zhao. These students have explored a range of themes and mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms to express their unique perspectives and technical prowess.
Organizing and executing the exhibition was a collaborative effort by senior students, enhancing both their artistic and leadership skills. “This is a unique exhibition opportunity for seniors to organize, plan, prepare and execute their own display and in a team effort with their fellow graduates,” notes Sinski. They participated in all aspects of the exhibition, including planning, curating, marketing, and setup. This involvement has given them pride in their work, reflected in the attention to detail and creativity shown.
In addition to showcasing their art, the exhibition serves as a critical stepping stone for the students, with three seniors receiving the honor of having their artwork purchased for permanent display in the NCHS Fritz Eager Foundation for Art Education Art Collection. This initiative, started in 1969 in memory of Frederick Eager, a former student, underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and ensuring that the legacy of its students endures beyond their high school years.
“NCHS’s senior show is unique in that it challenges each student to present his or her work as a one-person ‘retrospective’ that can be drawn from any artwork he or she has created throughout their high school years,” according to a press release from NCHS.
Looking forward, the “Metamorphosis” exhibition is not only a culmination of four years of artistic exploration but also a launching pad for these young artists as they prepare to embark on their next journey—whether in art school, college, or other creative endeavors.
The exhibition remains open to the public during school hours through early June. All are welcome to visit and experience the inspiring work of New Canaan’s talented young artists, who are sure to leave a lasting impression on the art world and beyond.
