Huntington art teachers put their own work on exhibit. (Darin Reed photo)
Huntington art teachers put their own work on exhibit. (Darin Reed photo )

Standing Ovation for First Ever Huntington Arts Night

March 14, 2023

Last week’s first ever Huntington Arts Night at Huntington High School has been described as a “rousing success” by district officials. It left participants feeling energized. Planning has already begun on next year’s event.

The evening included an art exhibit featuring pieces created by Huntington UFSD’s art faculty members and a concert by the district’s music teachers that showcased the exceptionally talented musicians working with students on every grade level.

Huntington’s Arts-in-Education Committee helped facilitate the event. A pair of hands-on craft activities were provided for youngsters and their families who arrived at 6:15 p.m. The faculty concert kicked off at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Dozens of families participated.

Tickets were sold at the door for $5. There were raffle baskets and a concession stand. Proceeds generated from the evening have been earmarked for arts-in-education programming during the 2023/24 school year.

“Our first ever Huntington Arts Night was a huge success,” said Brian Stellato, Huntington UFSD’s director of fine and performing arts. “I want to thank all of our Huntington families who came out on Monday night to support the arts and our arts-in-ed programs. The faculty artwork was inspiring; the art crafts were a hit; and the faculty concert was a blast! We have an amazing art and music staff.”

Huntington’s arts-in-education program is an integral part of the educational experience at all grade levels in the district. “The arts provide an exciting, participatory approach to learning that enriches all areas of the school curriculum,” according to a program overview. “The Arts-in-Education Committee researches and plans both cultural arts and exploratory programs that are linked directly to core curriculum concepts and skills. Students participate in a wide range of experiences, from seeing their own pieces of creative writing performed by professional actors and chatting with famous authors to working with real scientists and “meeting” characters from American history.”

The arts-in-education program presents programs designed to enhance the study of children’s literature, the humanities, mathematics, science, fine and performing arts, health and character education.