Christina Nigro has developed into one of Long Island’s best young photographers. The Huntington High School senior is currently exhibiting one of her pieces in the Huntington Art Council’s High Arts Showcase XIV at the Main Street Gallery.
Ms. Nigro has been impressing Huntington School District faculty and staff members since her first day of kindergarten at Flower Hill School. Now she’s only a few months away from graduating with the Class of 2018.
Huntington senior Christina Nigro.
“I’m extremely interested in the University of Redlands, McGill University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa,” Ms. Nigro said.
The teenager is a member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter along with the Spanish, English and Social Studies Honor Societies.
“I hope to study international business or international relations,” Ms. Nigro said. “I’m considering possible career involving starting a non-profit or working with social media abroad.”
The Huntington senior has been a valued member of the Blue Devil cross country and indoor track and field teams. She’s well-liked by everyone around the high school and she’s made the most of her time in the building.
A very strong student academically, Ms. Nigro has also worked hard to become an exceptional young photographer. Her work speaks for itself and draws to the surface many emotions among those who view it.
“Since I was younger, I always loved taking pictures,” Ms. Nigro said. “I got my first digital camera around the time of elementary school and have tons of photo books filled with close-ups of my kitchen floor with flash, a mug or a blurry close up of my dog. As the years go on the photo books turn into computer folders of photos of various travels, friends and family. I can’t remember a time I didn’t like to document my life and the small and monumental moments of it.”
Ms. Nigro has worked very closely over the years with Huntington art teacher Pamela Piffard, who leads the high school’s photography program.
“I have never been able to put myself or my artwork into a box, so I haven’t,” said Ms. Nigro in an artist’s statement that accompanies the photograph that’s on display at the Main Street Gallery. “I enjoy learning and trying out new photography ideas and experimenting with different styles including, surrealism, collaging and fine art.”
Ms. Nigro journeyed to Guatemala last summer with International Volunteer HQ, an international volunteer travel company that to date has put more than 50,000 participants into community projects in nearly three dozen countries.
“I enjoy capturing the scenes of life that others have overlooked,” said Ms. Nigro in her artist’s statement. “I love the basic simplicity and beauty that everyday life holds. I seek out the beauty, hardship and pleasure in life. With traveling as a passion, I find that I thrive in new locations and my photographic senses are ignited by discovering the beauty of everything, everywhere.”
Ms. Nigro is currently working a portfolio of her work for the Advanced Placement Photography class she’s taking. The first collection of her documentary photography, appropriately titled everything, everywhere is sure to be fascinating.
“I traveled to Guatemala and focused on the vibrant colors and culture of this beautiful nation,” Ms. Nigro said. “In the photo presented of a young girl selling oranges in Chichicastenango (a town in the Guatemalan highlands, northwest of Guatemala City), the largest market in Central America, I was drawn in by her innocence and almost sad demeanor.”
“Christina Nigro is an amazing student who has a strength and depth of character that is beyond her years,” Mrs. Piffard said. “Christina has a great sense of humor and is so enjoyable to be around. In addition she is a fantastic photographer who has a true sense of personal style and flair all her own. Christina is an adventurer and knows that there are no limits to what she can achieve.”
“Ms. Piffard, has played a huge role in my love for photography,” Ms. Nigro said. “Ms. Piff has always been supportive of my photography even as I used far too many sheets of photo paper while trying to develop the perfect picture in the dark room or tried to learn a new technique on Photoshop.”
The exhibit at the Main Street Gallery will run through March 31. It showcases the work of several dozen gifted junior and senior artists from six Long Island school districts that participate in the Huntington Arts Council’s Journey program, “which fosters the appreciation of cultural diversity through the arts.”
Located at 213 Main Street in Huntington village, the Main Street Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Admission is free.
