Concord Art jurors selected Concord-Carlisle High School students, from left, Miriam Sachs, Polly Rivero, Graham Alderson, Henry Gaasch, Claire Roeser and Julia Leary (not pictured) to receive David Prifti Awards. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — The Annual Concord-Carlisle High School Show is now on display at Concord Art, showcasing a wide range of student artwork through May 31 as part of a 56-year partnership between the school and the Concord Center for the Visual Arts.
The exhibition features artwork created by students in grades 9-12 enrolled in Concord-Carlisle High School art classes, including pieces in architecture, ceramics, fashion design, digital photography, filmmaking, two-dimensional art and analog black-and-white photography.
The gallery includes senior portfolio collections alongside work from underclassmen, giving visitors a broad look at the school’s visual arts program and the range of creative disciplines available to students.
“These portfolios and gallery pieces represent an enormous amount of commitment, creativity and personal exploration from our students,” said Joseph Pickman, a Concord-Carlisle High School Visual Arts Instructor and the Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair. “The show gives students the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting and to share their artistic voices with the broader community.”
Co-Principals Katie Stahl and Brian Miller said the exhibition demonstrates the important role arts education plays at Concord-Carlisle High School.
“Our students are exploring complex ideas and emotions through their artwork, and that takes both courage and skill,” Co-Principal Stahl said. “This exhibition gives them the opportunity to be seen and heard in a way that is unique to the visual arts.”
“This show captures the creativity and individuality of our students,” Co-Principal Miller said. “The work on display is thoughtful and ambitious, and we are proud to see our students sharing it with the community in such a meaningful setting.”
As part of the exhibition, Concord Art jurors selected several students to receive David Prifti Awards, which include scholarship support that students may use toward art supplies, college expenses and continued artistic development.
This year’s David Prifti Award recipients are Graham Alderson, Henry Gaasch, Julia Leary, Polly Rivero, Claire Roeser and Miriam Sachs. Jurors praised the students’ work for its thoughtful composition, emotional depth and technical execution.
Polly was recognized for work spanning multiple disciplines, including ceramics, photography and two-dimensional art. Polly is the first student in the history of the exhibition to present three complete portfolios in separate disciplines during a single year.
Jurors described Julia’s photography portfolio as a collection of “wonderful architectural gems” and praised its use of framing and composition, while Claire’s mixed-media work was recognized for its vulnerability and exploration of emotion and identity.
Henry’s “thoughtful” portfolio, which was commended for his skilled draftsmanship, explored themes related to information systems and technology, and Miriam’s darkroom photography work was recognized for its striking use of black-and-white contrast and composition.
Jurors commended Graham’s ceramics portfolio for the variety of forms, colors and techniques used, while still maintaining a uniform vision.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter said the district’s longtime partnership with Concord Art continues to provide students with important opportunities to grow as artists.
“The arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education,” Hunter said. “This exhibition gives students the chance to challenge themselves creatively and share their work with the entire community. We are grateful to Concord Art for continuing this partnership and helping celebrate our students’ achievements.”
The exhibition remains open to the public through May 31 at Concord Art.
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Polly Rivero’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Polly Rivero’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Polly Rivero’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Graham Alderson’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Henry Gaasch’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Claire Roeser’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Julia Leary’s portfolio. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
The 56th Annual Concord-Carlisle High School Show is on display at Concord Art through May 31. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)