Each year, despite over thousands of entries, students at SHS are rightfully recognized for their artistic talents. The Boston Globe Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the regional division of an incredibly prestigious and large scale national competition, in which students in grades 7-12 submit their work digitally; it can be anything from a painting or sculpture to a short story or poem. Following submission, students must wait for about a month while their work is adjudicated by a panel of art professionals and educators. Award winning submissions are recognized with an Honorable Mention, Silver Key or Gold Key.

Senior Jonny Ricci is a veteran when it comes to the Scholastic Art Awards, having won a total of five gold keys. Ricci has enjoyed submitting his pieces and participating in the art awards throughout his time in high school, saying “It’s pretty awesome. You have your artwork presented in a building in Boston for up to a month.” This year, winners of gold keys had their work exhibited at the Boston University Gallery during the month of March.

With over 17,000 entries across the state of Massachusetts, “It’s such a large scale competition that you never know how it will go,” says Ms. Hickey. This year, eight SHS students were recognized for their pieces:

• Gina Collari received a Gold Key for her digital art piece, “Yourself”
• Lexi DelPico received an Honorable Mention for a sculpture entitled “Diamonds”
• Ellen Foley received an Honorable Mention for a mixed media piece called “Green Forest”
• Christopher MacDonald received an Honorable Mention for his animation, “La Mer”
• Anna Maguire received two Gold Keys for her drawings, entitled “Mirrored” and “Disappearance”
• James Naclerio received a Silver Key for his sculpture, “3D”
• Jonny Ricci received a Silver Key for his sculpture, “Balancing Destruction”
• Melanie Stewart received an Honorable Mention for her photography piece “Broken”

Hopefully you had the opportunity to check out the Gold Key winning pieces at the Boston University Gallery from March 7-15!

Many students eagerly submitted pieces this year, which demonstrates a clear passion and love for art among students. Students are also encouraged by our four incredible art teachers here at SHS: Department Chair of Fine Arts, Ms. Benski, Ms. Hendrickson, Ms. Hickey, and Ms. Pace. Additionally, a wide variety of art courses are offered, which makes it easy to get involved and tap into your creative side.

Next up for Art at SHS: Check out Spring for the Arts on Thursday, May 15th to see what all of the students in the Scituate community have been creating! Why not even submit your own piece?