A silk painting by Emily Haugh of Highlands High School.
Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium organizes "Arts Alive"
UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- A reception for high school artists of the Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium is slated for Monday, March 23, at Penn State New Kensington. The young artists will discuss their works from 5 to 7 p.m. in the campus Art Gallery. The event is free to the public.
In conjunction with the reception is the High School Performing Arts Showcase, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the campus’ Forum Theatre. Artists and performers will receive t-shirts designed by Deer Lakes students. “Arts Alive” is the theme of the annual student art exhibit that runs through March 28 in the gallery.
The show is sponsored by the consortium, a group of local educators dedicated to bringing performing and visual arts to area students. Prissy Pakulski, visual arts educator at Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District, is the coordinator of the event.
“The gallery at Penn State New Kensington produces an ambiance of professionalism, and students get a real gallery exhibition experience,” said Pakulski, a visual artist who previously has shown her work at the campus.
Artwork by students from five area high schools -- Highlands, Valley, Deer Lakes, Kiski Area and St. Joseph's -- is featured in the show. The theme of easel art with identity is interwoven in each school’s display. More than 500 two- and three-dimensional pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry are hung salon-style, a European technique that dates back to the 17th century. Salon-style features a single exhibition room with artwork covering all the walls in a collage-like pattern.
“The salon style furthers the uniqueness of the young emerging artists,” said Pakulski, who works in stained glass. “In addition, easels and pedestals will further showcase the creations.”
The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on the weekends. For more information, contact Pakulski at 724-337-4536 ext. 2010 or ppakulski@nkasd.com
For photos of the exhibit, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/