The IB (International Baccalaureate) Senior Art Show displayed two years of work in a variety of styles and media in the school’s hallway and courtyard. While some of the seniors are planning a future in art, others found it to be an entertaining diversion that they will continue to explore while engaged in other pursuits. “There are a number of kids in the IB program and a number of kids that just take certain IB courses,’’ West Morris Central Principal Timothy Rymer said. “Either way, tonight represents the culmination of the hard work they have done over the course of two years in preparation for the submission of that work to the IB. Tonight is the public way of celebrating all that hard work.’’
Art teacher Lorraine Najjar was impressed with the togetherness exhibited by this year’s seniors. The works of Riley Rolser, Radha Pilli, Riyaa Patel, Elizabeth Zeman, Katherine daSilva, Keira Dwyer, Isabella Tuttolomundo, Sarah Dillon and Kailyn Davan were showcased. “They are wonderful,’’ Najjar said. “They are hard working. They are dedicated art students that put their heart and soul in their work. They love making and being creative.’’ Riyaa Patel’s work was indicative of the sample portfolios shown. She has been drawing pictures since she was five years old but is not considering it for her future profession. Painting in acrylics has become her medium of choice in high school. “One of my central themes is feminine strength and empowerment,’’ Patel said. “A lot of the women I’ve been with my whole life have been strong willed women. I find that they inspire me. “When I go to make a piece it is based off a personal experience. Then I go into things that I’ve learned about literature, history and contemporary issues.’’ Her portfolio included a lighthouse, as part of the Joseph Conrad novel “Heart of Darkness’’ that she had been reading, and a New York City street scene representative of her family’s roots coming over from India. She painted a fierce tiger indicative of Indian culture and concerns regarding their status as an endangered species. Another painting portrayed a a poor mother and young daughter carrying full water jugs back home. “This one is about the struggle of motherhood when people have limited access to a support system,’’ Patel said. “They have to carry these water bottles. (The mother) doesn’t have an extra hand to hold her daughter. I feel people don’t understand the little harsh realities they face.’’
Each student’s portfolio included a self-portrait as well as a visual diary encompassing the last two years of their work. The seniors study different artists and compare their own works to those more recognized. The diaries show physical evidence of their work and the thinking process that went into making the art pieces in their portfolios. In many ways, the diaries often look as artistic as the items they documents. Refreshments were served during the two-hour showcase and there was also live entertainment. Olivia Eden, who attendees might have heard on “The Voice’’ last year, played and sang some of her original compositions, as visitors walked about the school hallway. Rymer noticed that the two-hour event has drawn a bigger audience this year than it has in the past, indicating a growth in popularity the program as well as some of the artists themselves. “It is only getting better, Rymer said. “It’s a tradition that is grown and will continue to grow. I see families. I see brothers. I see sisters. I see parents. When you get that kind of support, events can only grow in that direction.’’
By MARK KITCHIN Staff Writer
May 7, 2024