Inside Art with Michael Rose - Art League Celebrates Work by High School Students

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Michael Rose, Art Contributor

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

The importance of encouraging artists at a young age cannot be overstated. Young individuals who receive the support of family, friends, teachers, and peers in their art-making will tend to find more opportunities to fulfill their artistic aspirations as life goes on. At Art League Rhode Island, a current group exhibition highlights the achievements of student artists at three area high schools, showing off a wide range of remarkable artists on the rise.

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On view through April 27 at Art League Rhode Island’s gallery at 80 Fountain Street in Pawtucket, the organization’s Annual Student Exhibition includes work in diverse media and styles by young artists who are currently studying at the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Pawtucket, Lasalle Academy in Providence, and Rocky Hill Country Day School in East Greenwich. The show also includes pieces by Amelie Archambault, the 2024 recipient of the Art League’s Iona Blake Dobbins Scholarship.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

While the show includes artworks by three discrete institutions, the quality of the submissions is quite consistent and it is hard to distinguish between student affiliations based on the art alone. The range of media employed is also extraordinarily impressive. There are drawings and paintings of course, but there are also assemblage works, ceramics, collages, illustrations, mosaics, sculptures, and works that blur the bounds between clear descriptions.

 

Speaking of the partnership between the schools and Art League, Jacqueline M. Walsh art instructor Chris Kane said, “The collaboration with Art League RI has been great! The students were very excited to see their work in a professional setting and to feel the energy of a packed opening. JMW had the benefit of a prior workshop with Shannon, Art League RI's gallery manager, where they learned some of the challenges and considerations that go into hanging and lighting a show, so they were tuned in to appreciate her choices. It was also wonderful that the show included three schools, making it a more cosmopolitan show than focusing on a single school or school district.”

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

There are many impressive submissions in the exhibition. Ollie Kowal, one of Kane’s students, is exhibiting a remarkably sensitive and emotional sculpture titled Nathanial. Kowal’s sculpture consists of the ceramic bust of a somber and downcast figure. Across the room, Rocky Hill Student Sadira Swanson is showing works of reclaimed fashion that probe reuse and reinterpretation. In an outer hallway, a black and white collage double portrait by Lasalle student Isabella Stanzione shows off virtuosity with a difficult medium.

 

There are many three dimensional works on display in the exhibition that range from simple but refined clay vessels to more complex items like a sculpted pair of hands pouring out jewelry by Elina Sun. Exhibitor Xueer Zhao is sharing a number of engaging three-dimensional works including a richly layered assemblage that explores economic inequality.

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

In seeing the show and looking at work by such a talented cohort of young makers, viewers will have the opportunity to hear the voice of an emerging generation and in their art they will find the cares and concerns of young people. The topics covered in the works on view are sometimes personal and, at other times, more expansive. These students are interested in exploring current ideas like sustainability, self-worth, mental health, and more. In their art, they tell autobiographical stories while also bringing to attention causes that are important to them. All the while, they are learning to be mature and professional artists and developing clear and provocative voices of their own.

 

Describing why his students’ participation in the show was impactful for their program of study, instructor Chris Kane explained, “Having the JMW senior art major's work on display for a month in a gallery has changed their senior portfolio project from a simulation of the workflow of a professional artist to being the real deal.”

 

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PHOTO: Michael Rose

 

For many of the students in the Art League’s show, this exhibition will be their first real exhibition experience, but it is unlikely to be their last. With the high caliber and maturity of the works presented it is certain that at least a few exhibitors in this show will find fulfilling lives that include artistic expression as a major component. Rhode Islanders should be on the lookout for works by these talented emerging artists.

 

The Annual Student Art Exhibition is on view in Art League Rhode Island’s gallery space at 80 Fountain Street in Pawtucket through April 27. The gallery is accessible Friday and Saturday from 2-5 pm each day and also by appointment. For more information, go to www.artleagueri.org.

Michael Rose is a multi-talented fine art professional based in Southern New England. Since 2014 he has served as the gallery manager at the historic Providence Art Club, one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations. Through his current freelance work he advises collectors and artists, provides appraisal services, teaches, and completes curatorial projects.

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