Pandemic Doesn’t Slow Art Aspirations Of West Orange Teens

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed the artistic aspirations of a talented crop of West Orange teens.

Through a partnership with the Visual and Performing Arts Program at West Orange High School, the West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) is putting the spotlight on 17 student artists with a new, virtual exhibit.

The exhibit, which can be viewed online here, showcases pieces from 17 advanced placement art students who worked in everything from acrylics to digital charcoal.

The artist list includes Clark Bunao, Adriana Garcia, Miguel Intal, Chris King, Tracy Kwok, Finnley Lewis, Alina Oser, Cristal Perez, Olivia Pinto, Jordan Roberts, Kyle Selim, Ella Silivanch, Julia Spellman, Mikayla Tilton, Elian Torres, Ilayda Vural and Dylan Wimberly.

The WOHS Arts Program offers a variety of visual and aesthetic art courses. Students are required to complete a one-semester foundation course in studio art before proceeding to advanced studies like advanced drawing, design, painting, graphics and sculpture. After that, juniors and seniors may enroll in Advanced Placement Studio Art, producing portfolios for college admission and earning up to six advanced placement college credits.

“The students look forward to sharing the work they’ve created over the course of this unusual year of virtual learning,” said Heather Young, AP Studio art teacher.

“As over 80 percent plan to or are in the process of applying to higher learning with an art focus, this group show is a great way to enhance their online portfolios,” Young added.

However, this particular exhibit had a special meaning for both organizations, as it marked the anniversary of the pandemic lockdown.

“Last March, we no sooner installed the show at the WOAC gallery, when the governor placed New Jersey in lockdown,” board member and co-curator Lisa Suss said.

“While our doors were closed, we were working behind the scenes to stay connected and keep the arts alive,” WOAC chair Patricia Mitrano also recalled.

That included offering several virtual shows and two hybrid (virtual and in-person at the gallery) this past year, “with more in store for 2021,” Mitrano said.

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