The Huntington High School Art Honor Society is a busy organization. One of its goals has always been to bring art to the masses and to reach out into the community and share its collective talents and foster an appreciation for every type of artistic expression. The organization is led by President Quinn Blackburn, Vice President Katie Giambrone, Secretary Christina Varady, and Treasurer Thomas Edgar-McNerney.
Art Honor Society members recently engaged in a nifty collaboration with Flower Hill Primary School. “Our members painted large versions of some of the most popular book characters along with their personal favorites to promote a book swap,” said art teacher Jane Judson, the organization’s faculty advisor.
“The students were excited to help out and share their own love of these characters with the elementary age kids,” Ms. Judson said. Art Honor Society members who participated in the initiative included Lauren LoScalzo, Angela LoScalzo, Irtana Deslouches, Kelly Alfaro-Alvarez, Aniyah Toro, Bianca Lella, Natalie Furman, Andy Ulloa, Angelina Larkin, Isabella Orjuela, Nataly Giron-Vincente and Yasmin Khilji-Neal.
“Some of the kid’s jaws literally dropped when they saw the amazing paintings of their favorite characters,” said Heather Gebhardt, who helped coordinate the evening for the Flower Hill PTA. “It was a true community event. The Huntington Public Library, Book Revue, Friends of the Library, the Art Honor Society and Flower Hill families and staff all contributed to the success of this event. Students were able to select several books to bring home and couldn't wait to start reading.”
Ms. Judson has been a Huntington art teacher since October 2015. A graduate of Hicksville High School, she obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at Adelphi University in art education and LIU Post in educational technology, respectively.
Ms. Judson has shown her work in several exhibits including the New York State Art Teachers’ Assn. member’s show, the Heckscher Museum and at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. She has also presented a workshop at the NYSATA’s annual conference.