H-ton Artists in Small Canvas, BIG Impact Show
December 1, 2023
Four Huntington High School student artists and two art teachers are participating in the Huntington Arts Council’s Small Canvas, BIG Impact exhibit. An artist’s reception is scheduled for tonight.
Three of the four students are working with Huntington teacher Kim Valerio, including Toni Reyes-Sorto, Stephen Spina and Katherine Moronta. Natalie Parrott, who is working with teacher Kristin Singer this year, will also be showcasing one of her pieces. Ms. Valerio and department colleague Kasmira Mohanty also have work in the show.
Small Canvas, BIG Impact features 10”x10” canvases “adorned by artists throughout our community,” according to the Huntington Arts Council. The canvases were provided by HAC. Each piece of artwork will be used to raise monies for HAC and its programs.
The exhibition runs through December 15 at the Main Street Gallery in Huntington Village. Friday night’s artist reception will be from 5-8 p.m. The fundraiser is on December 15, which is when art lovers can take home an original piece of work of their choice.
Toni Reyes-Sorto is a junior. “I am full of love for the arts and hoping to pursue a career in fashion design,” he said. His piece in the show is titled “Sunset Love.”
“Sunsets hold a special place in my heart, as they mark the end of the day with a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry,” wrote Mr. Reyes-Sorto in an artist’s statement that accompanies his work. “The warm hues of red, orange and pink melting into the serene blues and purples create a fleeting moment of pure magic. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting long shadows and illuminating the world with a golden glow, reminds us of the beauty and impermanence of life. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and the joy of simply being alive.”
Sophomore Katherine Moronta loves fashion. Her piece is titled “Memory.” “This canvas was inspired by the Disney movie ‘UP,’” the teenager wrote in an artist’s statement. “I enjoy watching this movie because it reminds me that we can love at all ages.”
Junior Stephen Spina is taking fashion design and photography classes. His interests also include reading and drawing. His watercolor in the show is titled “Chrysanthemum.”
“This painting is inspired by the flowers, chrysanthemums because I love how intricate
"Each petal is and the variety of color on them,” wrote Mr. Spina in his artist’s statement. “When people look at my painting I want them to feel a sense of home within it. This painting should be a reminder of fall and all the things fall represents in everybody’s life such as abundance and happiness.”
Junior Natalie Parrott said “the arts has been a big part of my life since I was young with my dad being an artist.” She loves to paint, draw and take photos.
“My art piece is of a sunset, which I photographed a year ago,” Ms. Parrott wrote in an artist’s statement. “I love the photo because it has so many beautiful colors and a pretty silhouette of trees in front of the sky.”
