Student Art Showcased at Windsor High School

Sixteen Windsor High School seniors received scholarships and awards Wednesday  during the first night of the school's .

"This is a night we look forward to," said Cathy Sosnowski, a Windsor resident, who came to look at the hundreds of original pieces of student art on display. "They're very talented." 

Denise Malnati, one of the three art teachers at Windsor High School, said the art show has taken place ever since she's began teaching in town 37 years ago. The other Windsor High School art teachers who helped to coordinate the event include jewelry teacher Marge Renno and Gayle Young. 

Eddy Lizaire, a senior and recipient of the Painting Award,  said the inspiration for his work comes from mythical creatures.

"The story behind the figures relates to modern day metaphors," Eddy said. His favorite personal work is called "Facing Fears," which depicts a boy in his bedroom, dressed up as a wizard, fighting a dragon. 

Kyesha Griffith, another senior artist and the recipient of the Art Department Recognition Award,  said her work focuses on male and female stereotypes and the objects each gender is generally associated with. Her painting of a crushed heart symbolizes the expectation of men to be violent, and the counter-piece, the cradled heart, represents women who are expected to be fragile.

Kyesha said favorite piece of her own is titled "Play Time," which illustrates objects that are associated with male interest, but the irony, she points out is that "this is all of my stuff, and I'm a female." 

The students compiled their artwork from first and second semester, and Malnati said preparations for the show began last Thursday. "The art show is every year. It's open to the public, and we want people to come see what the students do because they do a great job," Malnati said. 

The senior artwork was judged during the day on Wednesday by an outside jury. 

Some of the awards handed out included "purchase prizes," where artwork will be bought for $150 and professionally mounted and framed to be displayed at the location that buys the piece.

The Board of Education, the Superintendent, Windsor High School and the Chamber of Commerce all participated in the Purchase Awards, which were awarded to Shakyra Murray, Antwaun Wright, Richie Wood, Sheereen Rahmati and Andrew Washington. 

Windsor High School's award-winning Culinary Arts Program prepared the refreshments served during the art show. Dishes included cherry cheesecake, fresh fruit, and cupcakes with homemade frosting.

The art show continues today - Thursday, May 19, until 3 p.m.