“Gen Z Creativity; Selected Works from Bedford High School Students,” an art exhibit showcasing Bedford High School student work, is on display at the Bedford Free Public Library until Thursday, Sept. 7.
The exhibit features 13 student pieces in various mediums, including photography, digital art, acrylic painting, charcoal drawing, and ceramics. Student-written artist statements accompany the artwork.
After being approached by Art Steering Committee members Carol Rissman and Jean Hammond with the proposal for a student show, K-12 Visual Arts Director Sean Hagan describes “jumping on the opportunity to have Bedford student work on display in such a public area.” Hagan, along with the Art Steering Committee and the BHS art department, selected what pieces and how many could be featured in the exhibit.
Without the restriction of an overarching theme, the art department was able to showcase artwork that demonstrated each student’s specialty and talent, and pulled together a collection of some of the best technical work done during the past school year. Hagan points out that although the collection primarily highlights student classwork, it also includes works by the BHS Art Club, an extracurricular club that creates artwork for the school community.
Rising senior Robby Etringer has a ceramic tea set in the exhibit and said “I think the art community/classes at BHS are really awesome. There are a lot of people who are very creative and passionate about art, and the community as a whole is really welcoming. The teachers are all very knowledgeable and supportive, and my experience so far has been nothing but positive.”
Visitors are encouraged to read the artists’ statements displayed with the artwork. Statements demonstrate both the technical aspects of creating the artwork and the students’ personal connection to their work, and are a nod to the quality and merit of the BHS art department’s programming.
In his artist statement, rising junior Riley Foy recalls experimenting with camera settings and “choosing the perfect shot.”
Rising senior Alison Floyd describes her photo as “not just a generic or school-related photo taken that day, but a photo that, when taken, meant something more to me.”
2023 graduate Paul Jeon reflects on his artistic journey throughout his time at BHS in his statement, expressing gratitude for his art teachers and for the opportunity to take a digital photo class. Jeon will be attending Harvard University this fall.
“I plan to round out my schedule with some art courses in the hopes of continuing to express myself and exploring new artistic skills and mediums,” he writes.
Of Etringer’s tea set, the artist explained “I mostly wanted to attempt to make a teapot because it is a big challenge that requires a lot of different techniques to complete, and I wanted to see if I could do it. For the designs on it, I just experimented and tried to make something that looked cool. I’m really grateful for my teacher, Mrs. Beattie, who gave me the opportunity to have the set displayed in the library.”
Other students with art in the display include Selima Chan, Lucy Keefe, Christina Kolak, Zoe Kramer, Maryam Jawad, Tyler Munsie, Matthew Shen, Raaga Vakamalla, Shanae Varghese, and Druthi Yuvaraj.
The Art Steering Committee is in charge of year-round art displays at the library gallery. Members Carol Rissman, Jean Hammond, and Astrid Reischwitz curate these shows, focusing on displays that are closely connected to the Bedford community, regularly including work by residents. November’s showcase will feature work by members of the Bedford Center for the Arts Photo Group.
“The library is delighted to show this work by an upcoming generation of local artists,” says Rissman of the “Gen Z Creativity” exhibit.
The public is invited to view the exhibit during regular library hours until Sept. 7. The exhibit would not be possible without assistance from the Friends of the Bedford Free Public Library.
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