NHS Students Participate In —

Some Faring Very Well — Statewide Art Contest

Newtown Woman’s Club recently joined other women’s clubs in the state in support of an annual art contest for high school seniors. The 17 participating clubs are all members of General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Connecticut (GFWC-CT), and the clubs sponsored entries from a total of 21 high schools this year.

Best of Show was awarded, as were first, second, third and honorable mention honors in 15 categories, show chairman Jeanne Waseleski said this week. One hundred and ninety students had work in the show, with a total of 218 works of art submitted for consideration, said Ms Waseleski.

Diane Dutchick, Newtown High School art department chairman, chose the work of NHS students she felt was most expressive of their talent. Eight NHS students entered the competition, The 2009 Senior High School Art Contest. Four prizes were awarded among three NHS students, including three first place honors. A monetary gift was presented to the winners.

Nicole Bounty won a first prize for her watercolor “Lavender Breeze”; Patrick McGrath won a first prize for his sculpture “Deer Skull,” and third prize for a watercolor called “Car Crash” and Jensine Eckwall won a first prize for an acrylic, “Rock Fish.”

Also participating in the event were Samantha Bucur, Tina Hartlett, Emily Korth, Andrew Mangold, and Nick Pieretti. All of the NHS students who participated in the event are planning to continue their art studies when the begin college in the fall.

The competition was held at The Alzheimer’s Resource Center in Plantsville. Entries were received on Friday, March 20, with judging on Saturday, March 21, and a public viewing and reception on Sunday, March 22.

Paintings, drawings, collage, graphics, photography (color and black and white), and sculpture were all accepted into the show, with mediums including oil, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, pencil, marker, pen and ink, and mixed media used.