Jeraine Nieves is thriving in Huntington High School’s fashion design and illustration program. The senior has demonstrated a creative flair that few can match.
The teenager plans to begin attending college in New York City next fall. Ms. Nieves has been taking art classes with teachers Kristin Singer, Ayallah Jeddah and Kim Valerio.
“Despite being visually impaired, Jeraine is a very creative and talented artist,” Ms. Valerio said. “She has been my fashion design student for the past three years. One of Jeraine’s fashion illustrations will be featured on the cover of this year's high school fashion show program brochure.”
Ms. Nieves simply loves art. She has taken 11 art classes over the past four years. She is especially creative and truly gifted and has worked closely with each of her teachers.
The senior designed and created a gorgeous gown in a Fashion III class this year. “Jeraine created it with fabric and mirrors,” Ms. Valerio said. “The gown is currently on display in the Huntington Arts Council’s High Arts Showcase XV exhibition at the Main Street Gallery in Huntington village.”
The gown was named Best in Show at last Friday night’s High Arts Showcase XV opening reception. The teenager named the artwork “Broken Dreams.” It is a most intriguing piece.
“This dress was a big project,” said Ms. Nieves in her artist’s statement. “There is no huge inspiration behind it. I simply wanted to create something absolutely beautiful. Everyone looked at me as if I was crazy for wanting to use broken glass. When I finished the dress it resembled a wedding dress. The superstition behind broken glass is seven years of bad luck and in the U.S the average marriage lasts 8.2 years. I really liked this concept and the new idea that could be behind it.”
Ms. Nieves worked in school on the dress for about four months. “This dress was made with my blood, sweat and tears and I couldn’t be more in love with the outcome,” she said. “Everyone else loves it, too, and that makes me really happy. I’m proud and thankful that I get to share this with everyone else as well.”
No obstacle seems capable of preventing Ms. Nieves from accomplishing her goals. “I have had some bad cuts because of this dress,” she said. “I also am visually impaired so that made it a bit tougher, but not impossible.”
