Ramsey Student’s Artwork Wins Spot in Contest Exhibition

A Ramsey High School senior is being honored for her innovative artwork. A mask created by senior Nicole Martinez has been chosen for an “Art, Innovation, and Ideas” exhibition at The College of New Jersey. 

According to a release from TCNJ, the school received 440 submissions from Kindergarten through 12th grade NJ students. A panel of contemporary artists, including Faith Ringgold - famous for her painted story quilts - judged the submissions. 121 pieces were selected for the collection, TCNJ reported.

“The exhibition is intended to highlight innovative art making that connects student learning and art to the real world, academic subjects, social issues, big ideas, and/or contemporary art,” a release from Ramsey High School explained.

Martinez crafted the sculpture, entitled ‘Strength and Beauty,’ in her ceramics class at Ramsey High School, taught by Kelly Bonaldi. The release explained the project that prompted her creation:

This project was supported and inspired by Ms. Bonaldi’s and other art faculty’s participation in Project ABLE, which helps teachers push their lesson design beyond normal boundaries in order to make students have more authentic learning experiences. 

For this project, students used creative thinking skills as well as problem solving skills to determine how to successfully design their mask, build an appropriate armature, create descriptive volume, texture, relief, and color, all while maintaining an eye for creating an overall mood and theme. Students were also required to incorporate at least one repurposed innovative material of their choosing. 

The exhibit opens June 2, and Martinez's work will be on display throughout the month of Jun. Get information about the exhibit here.

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