Five Huntington High School student-artists have pieces on display at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s Long Island’s Best Young Artists exhibition this spring.
Huntington’s Tyler Basil, Ella Siepel, Aislyn Franciscovich, Vivienne LaVertu and Grace Kenny are among the top Long Island artists with work on display at the exhibit, which is now in its 25th year. The show runs through May 23.
The annual features extraordinary works of art created by Long Island high school students. Hundreds of young artists from more than 50 high schools submitted 331 works of art for jurying this year with 83 selected by Heckscher Museum Curator Karli Wurzelbacher and guest artist and juror Melissa Misla.
“This school year has been like no other, challenging art teachers and the Museum to rethink what art education looks like,” according to exhibit organizers. “As you will see, students rose to the occasion, participating in virtual field trips and creating powerful artwork that speaks to all we have experienced and learned.”
Ms. Franciscovich captured the Andrew Presberg Award for Promising Young Artist, which carries with it a $250 stipend. Ms. Siepel won a prestigious Heckscher Achievement Award for her sensational piece.
“This juried exhibition provides select students with the unparalleled opportunity to exhibit their artwork in the museum and connect with the broader Long Island community,” according to the Heckscher Museum. “The quality of artwork is exceptional and delivers a professional-level show in a broad range of media, styles, and subjects. Each student has written an artist statement describing their inspiration and artistic process; an image of the ‘inspiration artwork’ is also provided to deepen visual connections.”
Participants in the Long Island’s Best initiative choose a work of art in the Heckscher Museum’s collection as the starting point for their own creative process. The teenagers then interpret the respective pieces through their own art. “The quality of the artwork is exceptional and delivers a professional-level show,” exhibit organizers said.
Each of the pieces in the exhibit is accompanied by an artist’s statement, which explains “the thought process and artistic journey from conception to completion,” according to organizers. “A thumbnail image of the artwork on view in the museum that inspired the student work is also featured.”
The exhibition will be open to the public from April 24 to May 23 with timed tickets available. The live virtual reception and awards ceremony is set for May 1 at 7 p.m.
According to its website, The Heckscher Museum of Art was founded in 1920 by industrialist August Heckscher. The collection is devoted to 19th and 20th century European and American art. In addition, the Museum owns and maintains the Dove/Torr cottage, the home of famed American artist Arthur Dove and his artist-wife Helen Torr. Visit www.heckscher.org or call (631) 351-3250 for more information.
