Huntington Artists Tapped for High Arts Showcase XXI

Seven Huntington High School art students will have their work on exhibit soon at the Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery in Huntington. High Arts Showcase XXI will run from March 25 to April 19, 2025. An opening reception is set for March 28 from 4-7 p.m.

The High Arts Showcase Exhibition is an opportunity for junior and senior artists in JOURNEY partner schools to present their artwork in a gallery setting. Students learn firsthand what is involved throughout a gallery exhibition; from submitting entries and writing an artist statement to titling, framing and pricing their artwork. Students' work is chosen by their art teachers.

Huntington’s participating artists include Taylor Nappi, Arly Moreira Portillo, Estiven Segovia Ticas, Toni Reyes Sorto, Iverson Menjivar, Maya Akerman and Emma Boyle.

Six of Huntington High School’s seven artists selected to display their work are listed below. Ms. Boyle, a gifted junior, will be profiled separately. She is studying with art teacher Kristin Singer.

Student Artist: Taylor Nappi

Grade: 12

Title: “Jax Birthday”

Art Teacher: Pam Piffard

Artist Profile: Huntington High School senior Taylor Nappi is a dedicated and creative student with a strong passion for the arts. Taylor plans to pursue a college education next year, focusing on photography and art education. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Taylor has immersed themselves in various school activities, showcasing their versatility and commitment. They are actively involved in stage crew, marching band, the Art Honor Society and the Music Honor Society, while also excelling in the AP 2D Photography class. Taylor’s dedication and diverse talents reflect their enthusiasm for both personal growth and community engagement.

Artist Statement: Taylor is creating a series of images that beautifully illustrate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Each piece captures the complex emotions tied to this journey, such as joy, nostalgia, uncertainty, and growth. The artwork aims to resonate with viewers by portraying moments of innocence and discovery alongside challenges and self-realization. Through vibrant visuals and thoughtful composition, Taylor seeks to explore the universal experience of growing up. The image presented here portrays the idea of the pain we feel as we age, the passage of time, and trying to hold onto our childhood.

Student Artist: Arly Moreira Portillo

Grade: 11

Title: “Faceless”

Art Teacher: Pam Piffard

Artist Profile: Arly Moreira Portillo is a photographer based in Huntington, NY, whose work explores emotion, storytelling, and the power of visual representation. With a strong foundation in both darkroom and digital photography, she creates compelling imagery. Arly has honed her love for photography, allowing her to use her skills and create  photographs that evoke interest.

Currently enrolled in AP 2D Design, Arly is developing a thought-provoking series that delves into the theme of fear. Through her work, she transforms intangible emotions into striking visual narratives, capturing the essence of fear in ways that challenge and engage the viewer. Her images serve as both a reflection of personal experiences and a universal exploration of the human psyche.

With a passion for photography as both an art form and a means of expression, Arly Moreira Portillo continues to push creative boundaries, using her lens to bring unseen emotions to light.

Artist Statement: The image presented here titled faceless represents a teenager stripped of identity and independence in a society that often stifles expression and invalidates emotions. Muted cool tones and soft lighting convey a sense of dissociation and sadness. The photograph invites viewers take a deeper look at the feelings of invisibility we experience as youth.

Through this work, I aim to shed light on the universal struggle for identity, especially in youth, and challenge viewers to consider the impact of environments that silence rather than nurture.

Student Artist: Estiven Segovia Ticas

Grade: 12

Art Teacher: Kasmira Mohanty

Title: “Hermano Menor”

Medium: Digital Painting

Artist Profile: Estiven Segovia Ticas is an emerging young artist from Huntington High School, known for his dynamic and imaginative approach to visual art. With a passion for both traditional and digital mediums, Estiven has developed a distinctive style that blends vivid color palettes, gestural line work, and an expressive, often surreal sense of storytelling.

His journey as an artist began in his early years, when he first discovered his love for drawing and painting. Throughout his high school career, Estiven has cultivated his skills under the guidance of his digital arts teacher Kasmira Mohanty. He has participated in Mrs. Mohanty’s Computer Graphics, Advanced Computer Graphics and Digital Portfolio classes that have expanded his technical abilities. His work spans a variety of genres, from portraiture and landscape to abstract and conceptual pieces, each piece reflecting his unique perspective on the world around him.

Estiven’s art often explores themes of identity, culture, family and the human experience. He is particularly influenced by his personal experiences, as well as by global art movements. Estiven is continuously pushing the boundaries of his creativity by experimenting with different techniques, ranging from pencil sketches to digital painting.

Beyond his academic studies, Estiven has contributed to school exhibitions, local art shows, and community events, where his pieces have received recognition for their emotional depth and technical precision. Evidence of his growing success came in the form of the Heckscher Achievement Award in Design for his piece My Abuela exhibited at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s Long Island Best competition.  His artistic voice is one of thoughtful reflection and an unyielding drive to connect with others through the universal language of art.

Student Artist: Toni Reyes Sorto

Grade: 12

Art Teacher: Kim Valerio

Title: “Painted”

Medium: Fabric and Fabric Spray Paint

Artist Profile: I’m a senior at Huntington High School with four years of experience in fashion design. Recently, I completed a Pre-College course in Fashion Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). For the 2024-25 school year, I’m excited to be interning with my fashion design teacher, Mrs. Valerio, gaining hands-on experience as I prepare for a future in the fashion industry.

Artist Statement: "Painted" explores the relationship between fabric, color, and self-expression. The white gown serves as a blank canvas, symbolizing purity, while the vibrant spray paint splatters represent the burst of individuality and creativity. Each spray of color reflects the fluidity of identity and the act of transforming something conventional into something unique. The contrast between the delicate fabric and bold colors invites viewers to question the boundaries of art, fashion, and personal transformation, challenging the notion of what a garment can be.

Student Artist: Iverson Menjivar

Grade: 12

Art Teacher: Ayallah Jeddah

Artist Profile: I'm currently a senior at Huntington High School, and ever since my freshman year, I've been taking a ceramics class. When I first signed up, I had no idea how significant it would become for me. Ceramics has allowed me to delve deeply into my artistic side. Each piece I create has been a reflection of my inner thoughts and emotions, molded and shaped with care. This class has given me more than just skills. It's provided me with a sanctuary where I can be myself and let my creativity flourish.

Artist Statement: For my final ceramics piece as I prepare to transition into college, I wanted to create something that cultivated depth and beauty. I envisioned an openwork design with gems inside, symbolizing the beauty found in the small accomplishments of life. This piece is composed of three distinct parts that come together to form a cohesive whole.

The number three is deeply symbolic, representing balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of life. Each piece in my work stands for a different aspect of the average human life including the past, the present, and the future. Together, they illustrate the continuous flow of time and the growth. The open spaces in the design signify the opportunities and unknowns that lie ahead, while the gems inside highlight the precious moments and achievements.

This artwork is a reflection of my continuous personal evolution and a tribute to the transformative power of creativity. As I move forward into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons and experiences from my ceramics class, forever grateful for the sanctuary it provided.

Student Artist: Maya Akerman

Grade: 11

Art Teacher: Kristin Singer

Artist Profile: Maya Akerman is a junior at Huntington High School with a deep passion for art. As a little girl, she has loved expressing herself through creativity, and her love for new art has only grown over the years. She has been taking Ms. Singer’s drawing and painting classes since freshman year, and it is her favorite part of school. Outside of school, Maya enjoys listening to music, traveling, going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with friends. Art continues to be a central part of her life, inspiring her to explore new ideas and techniques.

Artist Statement: This painting captures the intimate moment between me and my grandmother. Despite the vast physical distance that separates us, the image of us holding hands speaks to the enduring bond of love, even when geography, culture, and time zones create barriers. This bright and colorful picture reminded me of her optimistic spirit and beautiful soul. To depict this, I used bright colors and layered various paints to create texture and dimension in the painting.

This painting explores the themes of longing, connection, and the timeless nature of familial love, illustrating how such ties are never broken, even across continents. It invites the viewer to reflect on their own relationships, the invisible threads that hold us together, and the moments we cherish despite the distance that may separate us. Unfortunately, Susy won't see this painting  but I will continue to create art for her.