Art From Pennsbury High School Students On Display, Awards Handed Out

Provided by the Pennsbury School District:

The works of talented Pennsbury High School art majors are currently on display at the AOY Art Center located on the Patterson Farm at 949 Mirror Lake Road in Lower Makefield Township.

The Pennsbury Art Majors Show is open to the public and runs April 1 to April 3 from noon to 5 p.m.

An opening reception was held on Friday, March 25. 

The art show, which was sidelined last year due to the pandemic, features the works of approximately 30 Pennsbury High School students. The show offers a unique opportunity to showcase their work and receive feedback from professional artists in the community. AOY members and established artists David Rivera and Marc Schimsky served as jurors. 

Cash prizes were awarded to students, generously donated in memoriam of Chris Leyenberger and Judy Kaufman by their families. Jerry’s Artarama also contributed gift cards for Honorable Mention awards. 

Chris Leyenberger, a Bucks County native, was a Pennsbury parent, AOY member, Boy Scouts of America leader, and a Lower Makefield Township community volunteer. 

“Chris liked to share his talents. He shared his talents constantly in this community. He was a big supporter of the arts and would love to know that he is still a little part of supporting the arts here at AOY,” said Fran Leyenberger, Chris’s wife. 

Judy Kaufman spent 28 years teaching art in Pennsbury. She also served as the district’s art coordinator before retiring in 2002. Judy remained very active within the art community after her retirement. Her pieces were often displayed at AOY.

“AOY was a very, very important place for my mom. She had a zest for life with a positive attitude. I’m very happy that we can be a part of giving awards,” said Beth Brody, Kaufman’s daughter. 

Dr. Tom Smith, Pennsbury’s superintendent, and TR Kannan, Pennsbury School Board president, were on hand for the award ceremony, along with fellow school board members Linda Palsky and Dr. Joanna Steere. 

“The arts are alive and well here in Pennsbury, thanks to all of you,” said Smith. “When I first came to Pennsbury, I heard about the quality of the art and music programs. Seeing the art on display here, I am in awe of the quality of the students’ work. This is art gallery quality work. Thank you to the students, thank you to the parents for supporting their passion, and thank you to the board for supporting the arts.” 

The following distinctions were awarded at the reception. 

Best in Show: Taylor Petruccio, “Call Me By Your Name” (Oil) 

Juror’s Statement: “This painting which celebrates the flavors of summer, displays a palette of bright, warm colors paired against a solid gray background. There is a thorough exploration of value and color relationships and the details are carefully observed and rendered. The technique and composition provide a lot of visual stimulation. 

1st Place: Nicholas Anderson, “The Slip” (Paper-mâché) 

Juror’s Statement: “The concept of a moving, falling figure is well executed in this creative sculpture. Creating movement in a still sculpture provides many challenges. The construction and juxtaposition of the figure shows a wonderful dynamic which encapsulates an unfortunate predicament with a touch of humor.” 

2nd Place: Ami Patel, “Earl Grayscale” (Charcoal) 

Juror’s Statement: “This charcoal and chalk drawing displays a subtlety of value within a well-balanced composition. There is a good command of the materials here and an exquisite attention to detail.” 

3rd Place: Brooke Wilson, “Monsters Under the Bed” (Styrofoam) 

Juror’s Statement: “The concept is clearly stated in this mixed media sculpture and the viewer is invited into a world of fantasy. At first glance, massive tentacles appear to be entangling a blanket, but as we look closer there appears to be the form of a body underneath which creates a tension and evokes childhood nightmares. The concept and use of materials are well executed in this piece.”

Honorable Mention: Avery Gardner, “The Doctorate” (Oil) 

Juror’s Statement: “This still life painting which pairs medical objects over a blue drape displays an intriguing contrast of textures. The brushwork and drawing are well executed.” 

Honorable Mention: Quincy Tolbert. Jr., “Brother Brother” (Charcoal) Juror’s Statement: “This work demonstrates a good use of chiaroscuro lighting which creates a lot of three-dimensionality. The boldness within the shapes and their relative values shows a command of the materials.” 

Honorable Mention: Madison Wallick, “Cluster” (Pencil) 

Juror’s Statement: “This drawing is unique and bold. The value gradients paired with hard edges is reminiscent of cubism. The marriage of concept and technique is well portrayed here.” 

“A lot of work goes into this show,” said Anne Gannon, AOY’s art show liaison. “I’m so grateful to work closely with my fellow committee members, Renee Egan and Connie Dierks. They have been instrumental in the planning and implementation of this event. I also can’t thank Bette Sovinee, AOY Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schulz, Pennsbury’s K-12 Art Curriculum Coordinator, and Pennsbury art teacher Curtis May for all of the work they did on their end to assist and guide students throughout the process.” 

This year marks the fifth collaboration between Pennsbury and AOY to feature student artwork. The reemergence of the show following the pandemic is especially impactful for the students involved. 

“To the seniors – as you can see, they are very talented students. Not only are they very talented, but they have endured so much. They are a resilient bunch. I am so proud of what they have accomplished over the last two years being in a virtual environment. It wasn’t easy. They made it easier for some of us, that’s for sure,” said Curtis May, chairman of the Pennsbury High School Art Department. 

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