Point Boro Middle School's Night of Art and Music

Memorial Middle School students recently rolled out their art work and put on a show for parents at the annual "Evening with the Arts."

From 5:30 to 7 pm May 26, attendees enjoyed refreshments of juice, tea, cookies and cupcakes as they toured the middle school library to view over 150 two- and three-dimensional masterpieces made by the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

After that, they went to the 7 p.m. spring choral concert held in the Point Pleasant Borough High School Auditorium.

"A school tradition, this year’s 'Evening with the Arts' drew a record crowd, a testament to the hard work of the students and staff involved in the joint event," said Jacquelyn Goss, district spokesperson.

“We were very pleased with attendance at the art show reception,” said Art Teacher Jean Marie Solinski explaining that works of art were selected throughout the year for inclusion in the show. “Pieces that were deemed most successful were chosen for display.”

“Students with artwork in the show had the opportunity to invite their families to attend the reception,” said Solinski.

A scavenger hunt, of sorts, was held requiring the crowd to really examine the details and find specific elements in pieces of artwork in order to win a candy prize.

“The artwork was on display throughout the month of May, but the reception is always really special because it provides students with the opportunity to showcase their artwork to their parents, therefore helping to cultivate a sense of pride.”

Solinski said a sign-in sheet provided a venue for parents and staff to comment on the show and the feedback was unanimously positive with comments like “excellent work” and “great show” dominating the sheet.

“Each participant received a Young Artist Award certificate in recognition of having his or her artwork selected for display in the show,” she said.

At the art show’s conclusion, guests made their way to the high school to take in the choral concert.

A mixed chorus of sixth, seventh and eighth graders, under the direction of Choral Director Mrs. Terry Bojanowski, treated the audience to a wide variety of traditional, spiritual, and folk songs as well as selections from several Broadway musicals including Fiddler on the Roof, which was performed by borough high school students in March.

"Visual and performing arts are an integral part of the curriculum,” said Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith who was in attendance at both of the night’s events.

“Art education provides an effective means of communication," Smith said. "It fosters self-expression and critical thinking while promoting individual creativity. I’d like to commend the students and staff involved in executing this event."