Students Create Masterpiece For Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Contest

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead High School artists have once again created a masterpiece for the East End Arts' annual Martin Luther King, Jr. portrait project.

This year, students assembled individual panels to form an image of influential poet and civil rights activist Audre Lorde, the district said.

"This project continues to be a proven success," said Riverhead High School art teacher Jo-Ann Dellaposta. "Students thoroughly enjoy partaking and working together. Fellow Riverhead High School art teacher Selena Pagliarulo and I select the participating students from our classes based on skill and a desire to participate in a meaningful community project."

Audre Lorde, the district said, "was a Black lesbian woman who committed herself to confronting all forms of oppression. Her work was centered on civil rights, intersectional feminism and the exploration of identities. She was New York State poet laureate, an inductee of the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor and Chicago’s Legacy Walk, and the namesake of Publishing Triangle’s Audre Lorde Award. Students first learned about Lorde’s life and legacy and then began creating their panels."

Students participating in the contest included Edwin Canel Xuya, Diana Espana, Lillian Garcia, Hiranya Gunasingha, Alexandria Hernandez, Bennie Japa Auquilla, Eunice Kim, Jacquline Luna, Abigail Marin, Judith Mata, Larissa Quick, Kelsey Saladino, Victoria Salazar, and Michell Vizcalla Salas.

The finalized portrait was displayed in the main atrium of Riverhead High School before being showcased by East End Arts. East End Arts is displaying the portrait, as well as those of the other participating schools, to the public at the East End Arts School Gallery, located at 141 East Main Street in Riverhead, until February 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Private viewings during this time can be scheduled at 631-369-2171.

On March 1, East End Arts will host a reception to celebrate the student artists. The artwork will then be available for sale to support the East End Arts scholarship fund for art and music students in need.