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Dear Readers, Thank you for choosing to read the 2021 edition of Hoban’s Fifth Avenue Review. We are so excited to once again showcase the breathtaking art and moving words generated by Hoban’s talented art community. This year, we received an outpouring of support and an unprecedented increase in submissions, allowing us to display a wide array of creative processes and subject matter. Each piece featured has been hand picked by the editorial staff and we hope you find them as stunning and awe inducing as we do. Last year, the editorial staff challenged our community’s artists and writers to explore the topic of “Oddly Familiar,” looking for pieces that generated a “deja vu” or reminiscent quality—a perfect topic considering the period of reflection COVID-19 gave us. A year later, still facing the effects of the pandemic, we settled on the theme “Happy Accidents,” asking for pieces that remind us of these unexpected successes. And really, this theme pays tribute to the little, satisfactory moments that have brought us joy in this time of uncertainty. These little surprises can bring hope and provide relief from the monotonous stresses and challenges of everyday life. 3
Ironically enough, our cover photo featuring the Akron Civic Theater happened to one of these happy accidents, allowing the other stylistic choices to easily fall into place. Even within our current world circumstances that causes isolation and division, these tiny successes generate the same emotions our featured artworks and poems do. In a world that has been silent and empty for so long, the arts remain a reliable constant to fill this void. Each of these pieces accomplish exactly this, bringing light and color to a world so desperately in need of it. We hope that these pieces impact or move you to view the world a little differently as we begin to return to normalcy. How will these lessons and new understandings fit into or change the world around us? No matter what the future holds, we know art and writing will always be present to give it life. Thank you to all of the people who have made this magazine possible this year: Mr. Griffith, Dr. Ramos, the faculty and staff, the members of the 5th Avenue Review staff, and each of our artists and writers. Without them, this magazine would not have been possible. And thank you, readers, for supporting Hoban’s artists and their works. Now, put some music on, kick back, relax and enjoy reading our 5th Avenue Review! 4
Undeniably, there has been some good, some bad, and a whole lot of happy accidents this year. The staff wanted to celebrate that by introducing the theme “Happy Accidents”. These pieces do not necessarily need to be accidental, but call to mind the fleeting time of our lives and to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may”. The staff has chosen 3 pieces which embody this theme fully, creating a vision of life in moments. Please enjoy “Happy Accidents”!
Shot by Jenna Fioritto
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By Isabelle Hahn
Shot by Katie Elliot
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Isabelle Hahn, Class of 2021
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“Frames” is a part of my AP Art sustained investigation, which focuses on the theme of absence. I took the reference photos using a ten-second timer on my phone’s camera, running over to my windowsill, and climbing up to balance behind the curtains. This piece explores the veil imagery that is sometimes used when describing absence. People refer to the boundary between life and death as a veil through which we slip, an image reminiscent both of burial shrouds and of the membrane infants are wrapped in when they are first brought into the world. Particularly when used to describe death, the veil represents the frustration of sensing a loved one as if they are just there, behind some thin curtain, yet lacking the ability to reach through that slim barrier and connect with them. The image also pertains to an internal sense of absence, when people feel cut off from particular emotions or realities. That obscurity likewise can feel like being caught under a shroud, wrestling with the fabric of some inescapable divide. Prints of this painting will be available soon in my Etsy shop, PainterGrey.
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Frames 10
Madelyn Powell, Class of 2021
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This year, in AP Studio Art, I focused on the journey of self discovery. Humans often go through a period of rebirth where they come to terms with who they are. As the character in my pieces emerged from the water, they grew to accept themselves. I experimented with colors, either darkening the shade or increasing the saturation to change the tone. The colors in my pieces reflect this as they progressively become more colorful. The direction of the character’s face also symbolizes coming out of hiding as it slowly comes into view and becomes the focal point of the piece. Art has always been a way for me to express myself when words have failed me. I wanted to make a statement with this series of works, showing how living outside of what society deems acceptable does not lessen your value; and although it may seem impossible, things will get better and happiness will come.
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this is home 12
Reagan Butler
Jennifer Lawrence 13
Katie Elliot
Highland Theater 14
Katie Elliot
Clear 15
Katie Elliot
Wall of Silence 16
Jenna Fioritto
Light and Dark 17
Jenna Fioritto
Vibrance 18
Jenna Fioritto
Portal 19
Jenna Fioritto
Breakthrough 20
Grace Gallagher
It’s You and Me, Bud 21
Grace Gallagher
Memento Mori 22
Grace Gallagher
Winter Stroll 23
Grace Gallagher
Team Cheer 24
Mia Gallagher
Two-Sided Tale 25
Isabelle Hahn
Crossroads 26
Isabelle Hahn
Mr. Anderson as Father Christmas 27
Isabelle Hahn
Veiled 28
Isabelle Hahn
With an Open Hand 29
Marissa Kell
Juice WRLD Forever 30
Piper Kolasky
Untitled 31
Piper Kolasky
Untitled 32
Morgan Hirsch
Harry Styles Warp 33
Kay Plaspohl
Family Fun 34
Kay Plaspohl
The Group Project 35
Madelyn Powell
You’ll Be Okay 36
Madelyn Powell
Abyss 37
Madelyn Powell
Pondering 38
Kaitlyn Struckel
In My Head 39
Meghan Vieltorf
Colors 40
Meghan Vieltorf
Evie 41
Meghan Vieltorf
Gina 42
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Eden Nichelson, Class of 2022
“ Writing poetry, whether it be a quick haiku or a
lengthy rhyming sob-session, has been a small hobby of mine for a year or two now. My poems most usually have to do with some sort of object or feeling or something personal, such as in “garden of eden.” Recently, I’ve found that poetry doesn’t have to be eloquent of glamorous to convey how you’re feeling. However, creating a tone and message that can speak to anyone can do wonders for both myself as a writer and other readers. I hope that my poems give the gift of perspective to anyone who may read them, encouraging creative and passionate thinking for everyone to enjoy.
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“the garden of eden” when i was sprouting i used to grow fine easily able to claim what was mine but then came the pressure, the fear evil words coming from a little flower near world yanked apart by weeds that grew close my petals starting to differ from most the garden didn’t understand my roots the power i’ve withstood from heavy boots i was scared to grow, to be tall to be something different than the rest of them all i couldn’t see the vines snaking by cutting off my air supply i was choking, sun fading fast fighting the fear while everyone passed but conviction grew, and i fought back grew my thorns to challenge attacks the vines can’t trap me like they did before no longer scared to grow anymore
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“Are We Not All Writers?” Sawyer Huckabee Are we not all writers composing sonnets and verses with our lives inventing a new self each day and waking up and beginning new chapters Are we not all poets Humming to the rhythm of the monotony our days hold Finding beauty in the slums And always managing to find bad in the good Are we not all singers singing a song of the human condition humming along the bread line waiting for someone to be in perfect harmony with us Are we not all dreamers romanticizing another life the grass is always greener and fantasizing of the road not taken
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“The Duality of Man” Sawyer Huckabee The summits we reach And the valleys we fall The highs we want And the lows we need The things we desire But hate when they’re ours The things we hate That we continue to dive into The hypocrisy we call out Just for it to become us Embarrassed at ourselves years ago Just to be embarrassed at ourselves years later The duality of man A curse and a blessing All in the same
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“I am an Alien” Sawyer Huckabee I am an alien Watch me infiltrate your ranks and become one of you You may know me as something but an alien you do not you pin and prick and point me out as something or other or a mystery to decipher but not the alien I am I’ll become who you think me as and please your clandestine thoughts to fit into your image of a human that ultimately, I am not
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“Ode to Snacks: Thanks a lot, Motts”
Victoria Jackson Thanks a lot, Motts. Although it may sound sarcastic I truly am grateful And you are absolutely fantastic. From grape, to apple, to pear and more Your abundance of flavors is what I’ve always searched for. They say you’re for tots but I don’t agree You are just the right snack for me.
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“Ode to Snacks: Chex and Cheers”
Victoria Jackson Chex and Cheers, music to my ears Along the Chex Mix Trail. A multitude of fibers, It keeps me running And with it, I cannot fail. Though the road of life may get me down, Chex mix is always there To lend a hand in my low energy modes The boost is a breath of fresh air.
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“curtain call” Eden Nichelson end of an era costumes hung, the set torn down but not yet goodbye memories still made students who have made their mark on the walls, the stage built on past giants moved on but not forgotten watching legacies pass the flaming torch burning with passion unmatched ‘til the final bow 52
“she’s the type of girl” Eden Nichelson she’s the type of girl who can’t count her true friends on one hand the girl who can take risks and isn’t afraid where she’ll land the type who boys swoon at the sound of her name always has a seat saved at the next football game the girl that clicks with any student or teacher and shocks you with her gentle features a girl that doesn’t need makeup to feel pretty a sharp tongue that’s funny and witty she’s the perfect girl in their eyes the girl i can’t help but somewhat despise she’s everyone’s star, whether they know it or not i can’t help but envy what she’s got mind and heart always in a twirl wondering what it’s like to be that type of girl
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“13 Elmwood Ave.” Eden Nichelson there’s a house o’er the hill on the rocky cliffs above the sea faded white with shutters nailed still shadowed by an age-old oak tree forever clouded with a history untold footsteps walked by a figure unseen drafted with a chill eerily cold that strangely lures you somewhere between a woman in the window watches with an open eye but risking a glance back reveals her secret a soft shrieking wind always soaring in the sky calling beware to those she deems unfit an angry ocean smashes the rocks below a cycle she takes to heart the crashing sound and constant flow reminds her of the man who tore her apart some say he ran, some say he died but everyone can feel the pain overwhelming emotion churning inside forever mirroring the pouring rain
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“The Knight of the Night” Rickey Williams The night is dark but full of stars, With parking lots full of cars. Shining bright as should the knight, But there will be one winner and one loser throughout this night. Helmets blessed with so much grace. Spikes tied with every lace. The stands roar for this battle, As darkness approaches light shall follow. Each side prays for victory, But one shall not be answered. But thy knight has a sword and shield, Too keep away all the darkness. The war is calm like before a storm. Thinking of the feast afterwards with tons of meat. The night is soon to fadeto light, But oh this will be a different light, this will be.....BRIGHT! As the light will not be true but a star in disguise. We fight as one and that’s a team, But each and every knight has his own different scheme. Victory is a goal that is set in stone, But the night we’ll fight till the score is too far gone. 55
“Old Shows” Jude Yovichin You thought they were good But now you are embarrassed Look at that costume! You thought you could dance You were sadly mistaken You waved at your mom! Ooh! the old acting! Amazing to old classmates Now cringe and silly But still a good time The memories are warm ones Smirks litters your face Your friends are laughing And you are laughing harder Your smile slowly grows You remember times With your brothers in acting Pulling off a show The honor, the skill You thought you were real masters Looking back with pride The camaraderie With friends and laughing good times Warm the heart always
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“When the Magnolias Bloom” Jude Yovichin Don’t worry my love, it’ll be alright Once the magnolias bloom The winter is over, the cool will recede The sun will shine on your face You’ll be warm and safe again my love Once the magnolias bloom The demons will run and the shadows hide And happiness will return The cracks and the shattering will heal In the warmth of the sun You need not fear your life my love Once the magnolias bloom Your heart will feel soft again Once the magnolias bloom I will hug you and kiss your cheek My love will dry your tears The spring will bring the comfort of content Once the magnolias bloom
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“Fuel” Jude Yovichin Without it I die Food, water, sleep, love, and care Each of these I need Go a night without And feel as a dry zombie Shuffling through your life Nothing keeps meaning Important things fade and fail Sleep is your desire Without fuel, love hurts The people around you leave From your dead manners Without fuel, it comes fast The depression soon surrounds Sleep is your escape If only you could Then maybe you’d be happy Find just enough fuel Some day you will find The motivation you seek When you find enough
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“Metamorphosis” Ryan Yovichin “On a strange eve, between the moon and sea, My mind races, Races past a figure in the sky, The cloak he wears drips, Purple flows from his feet, Surrounds me, asphyxiates I can’t breath, I can’t think, Sensory lost in the turmoil, Lost like a Jaguar...”
To read the full piece, scan this QR Code:
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“Pencil Sharpener Obituary” Josh Fenn “Winston Churchill once said “we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” The pencil sharpener outside of room 136 certainly gave all that it had to the Hoban community. Few objects can touch the lives of people in the way that family can, but the pencil sharpener did exactly that too. The people who were lucky enough to have a locker near room 136 formed a powerful bond with the sharpener, as it was always ready to serve those in need...”
To read the full piece, scan this QR Code:
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Thank you
To all the contributors, readers, and the whole Hoban community. Without your support of the Hoban arts, this magazine would not have been possible. Especially in this troubling time, we should always remember that we can turn to art, poetry, photography, and prose to express our emotions that we may not necessarily be able to translate into words. Remember, as Bob Ross artfully stated, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents”. Thank you for reading!
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