West Orange Liberty Middle School Holds Student Art Show

From Liberty Middle School: The second annual NJCPTA Reflections Art Show was held at Liberty Middle School on Jan. 28 to award students placing in the national competition. This year’s theme was “What is Your Story?” and featured several types of art to reflect West Orange students in grades K-12, including pencil, crayon, watercolor, oil, sculpture, photography, writing, and dance.

“This was our second year presenting PTA Reflections in West Orange,” said NJPTA Reflections chairperson and West Orange resident Lee Sutton. “We increased submissions and participation, and every student participant was recognized for their work and encouraged to continue expressing themselves through art.”

Comments by Sutton, Kyra Swinney, Chair of the Essex County PTA, Superintendent Jeff Rutzky, Lou Quagliato, Fine Arts Supervisor, and Amelia Panico and Patricia Mitrano of the West Orange Arts Council encouraged students to continue their artistic pursuits. The highlights of the evening were performances by students and special appearances by the West Orange High School Boys and Girls Step teams.

Students were recognized with Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, and Honorable Mentions. All Award of Excellence winners moved on to the state competition. Winners at the state level then move on to national competition, where scholarships are given to winners.

West Orange High School senior Kennedy Fort-Foskey has moved on to national competition for her original choreographed dance routine entitled “Faders.” National competition winners will be announced by the National PTA on May 2.

“When children express themselves through words, pictures, music, photography and other art forms, they grow intellectually, commented Sutton.

“The National PTA Reflections program helps parents encourage and recognize the continuous self-discovery process of their children. With art, children learn to analyze their thoughts, feelings, and ideas; look at objects, people and experiences in a fresh and exciting way, and develop a curiosity for the ideas and works of others. Programs like PTA Reflections allow students to cultivate and curate creative skills that give them an academic advantage,” she went on to say.

Studies have shown that students who participate in arts programs like Reflections show the greatest relative improvement in academic achievement, especially for those in underserved communities. Arts education has the ability to level the playing field because it provides a safe learning environment where students take risks, explore ideas and express their individuality. Students also learn to support their peers in a positive way by breaking down communication barriers. The arts considered a universal language.

Next year’s theme is entitled, "Within Reach.”

Images Courtesy Of Liberty Middle School