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| Sen. Moore and
Sen. Augustus welcome Nipmuc artists, teachers and
administrators to the State House |
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October 5, 2006...It was not a museum and they were not professional artists, but 18 students from Nipmuc High School and freshman in college who attended Nipmuc last year felt that way when they had their masterpieces on exhibit in one of the most prestigious and historic buildings in the state.
“I think it’s a proud moment for them,” said Nipmuc Principal Joan Scribner about the work of her students being hung in the State House in Boston. “It invites the public to see the artwork of kids from Central Mass., which they didn’t have the opportunity to before.”
Doric Hall, which serves as a reception room of the Beacon Hill building, was the site of 18 works of art that hung amidst the marble statue of George Washington and bronze bust of John Hancock. State Senators Edward M. Augustus, Jr. (D-Worcester) and Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) joined a group of students, art teachers Kevin Campbell and Jess Grady, Principal Scribner, Assistant Principal John Clements, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Earls and Superintendent of Schools Antonio Fernandes for the event.
“I was truly impressed by their talent,” said Senator Augustus of the students’ work. “It’s great to see that a public school offers this kind of opportunity for its students.”
More than 100 pieces were submitted by Nipmuc students for the 13th annual contest, according to Campbell. This year is the second time in that span, he said, that the work has been shown in the State House with the last time being the 10th anniversary. Campbell also revealed the work is on a mini-tour, also appearing at UniBank in Upton and National Bank in Mendon. The art was selected from grades nine thru 12 last year, being why some students are away at colleges and universities.
"It's wonderful to once again welcome these talented artists from Nipmuc Regional High School back to the State House," said Moore. "The Traveling Art Exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their prized and original works of art with the public.”
The diverse display saw everything from photography to differing kinds of paints to sketches and even a digital piece of Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars done exclusively on a computer drawing program. Student Kelly Gamache thought it was “pretty cool” that her painting of a galloping horse done with tempera made the cut. Gamache is a sophomore and one of the younger students to have had her work selected.
“We’re just in a great position for our kids to be able to find their niche in the arts,” said Superintendent Fernandes.
Fernandes explained that Nipmuc students are no strangers to the arts as their work hang all throughout the hallways of every school in the district. Grady added that senior art intensive students, as a privilege, get to paint murals on school walls, which is known as the alumni gallery.
“It’s not just brick and mortar,” Fernandes said. “The place comes alive.”
Aside from the artwork adorning the halls, Fernandes performs a more informal contest hanging the students’ projects he personally enjoys in his office, rotating them every so often.
“We’re really lucky to have an administration that backs us up so much with the program,” said Grady.
It took a grassroots effort to support the art department, according to the superintendent, but a fine arts club has resulted and it is now a cornerstone program. He added a great staff of teachers has helped the arts evolve at Nipmuc.
“It became a highlight of the district,” Fernandes said. “Right now, we have an incredible staff…I walk the halls and I’m amazed at what they’re doing.”
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