SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Over a twoday period, the South Brunswick High School gymnasium was transformed into a sophisticated art gallery during the ninth annual South Brunswick District Student Art Gallery.
Thousands of students, their parents, school officials and community members trickled in and out of the gallery in late April.
Joanne Kerekes, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said one of the things she loves about the annual art gallery is that it “puts our curriculum, from K through 12, on display in one place.”
“Visitors can see the evolution of process and product in visual arts over time,” she said.
For nine years now, Kerekes said she has stood in the gallery and watched students’ faces light up with satisfaction of seeing their selected artwork on display, parents’ faces fill with pride over their children’s accomplishments, visitors’ mouths drop open with wonderment and awe as they take in the scope of the work, and the art teachers’ appreciation for one another’s work.
“There is never a sense of competition … always a sense of collaboration and celebration,” she said.
Susan Trillie, program coordinator at the South Brunswick Senior Center, said the school district affords them the opportunity every year to see the talent of the youngsters in the community.
“Some of our seniors are not exposed to the young people, and we appreciate the collaboration,” she said.
This is the first year that the art department has collaborated with the music department and brought in the school’s jazz band and chorus.
“When you think of a traditional art gallery, there is always music playing,” said Regina Barbely, administrative secretary to the Board of Education, which helps organize the art show.
“We wanted the whole experience.”
South Brunswick
High School Principal Peter Varela said the art teachers work hard and are motivated to inspire.
“We love the fact that we can showcase pieces from the elementary schools, where the foundation is laid out. And then we can showcase the next levels,” he said.
Kristin Laskin, supervisor of the high school’s fine arts department, said it gives them the opportunity to showcase the talent in the district.
“The artwork here is the best of the best,” she said.
Some of the students from art teacher Dianne Belnay’s classes worked on their advanced placement (AP) portfolios during the gallery.
Zahra Bukhari, a junior, explained that for the AP exam, each student has to submit 24 pieces.
Bukhari said she has displayed her artwork at the gallery since she was in fifth grade.
“Three of my pieces are displayed this year,” she said. “I like the use of color pencil and oil pastels.”
Schools Superintendent Gary McCartney was among the people who came to see the show. McCartney said he is impressed year after year by the talent in the district and is proud to hold the gallery for all the students.