Top of the arts

Last Updated on Friday, April 06, 2012 01:24 pm Written by Staff Reports Saturday, April 07, 2012 01:00 am

Lily O’Brien, first place overall. OCEAN CITY — The annual Ocean City High School Juried Art Show was held Thursday, March 29 in the Ocean City High School Library. Ocean City High School students submitted 170 works of art ranging from drawing and painting to computer generated art and sculpture. The event was put together by OCHS art teachers Paul Matusz, Aaron Bogushefsky and Adriana Palmer.

In its fourth year, the OCHS juried art show has continued to grow in size and quality. This year’s show contained roughly 75 more works of art than in previous years. The show was also open to the public this year after only being open to students in years past.

“The idea is involve parents and the community as much as possible,” Matusz said. “The art students work very hard all year, so it is nice to allow them to put their talent on display.”

The artwork was judged by local artists and cash prizes were awarded in several categories.

“It was hard for the judges to pick winners this year,” Matusz said. “The quality of work was just too good.”

The following students were awarded prizes for their work: Lily O’Brien took the prize for first place overall, followed by Jaime McClennen and Evangeline Gallagher in second and third place, respectively.

Best freshman piece went to Sammy McCardell, best sophomore to Renata Altimari, best junior to Will Lokken, and best senior piece went to Shaun Brewer. The award for best photography went to Jess Chatten, best digital piece to Evangeline Gallagher, and best sculpture went to Erika Lorenz.

Students, parents and teachers who attended the event were encouraged to vote for their favorite piece. Those votes were tallied and the audience appeal award went to Renata Altimari. The same event will be held next spring and the art teachers at the high school hope that it continues to grow.

Matusz said, “This year was another step in the right direction, but it can always get better, we already have big ideas for next year’s show.”