22A
The Bluffton Sun
April 16, 2024
Local High School Students Win Accolades in Beaufort County Art Show BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor The winners of the Beaufort County High School Regional Art Exhibition were announced on the evening of April 3 before a crowd of almost 200 in attendance. The gathering was composed of young artists, their families, friends, teachers, and school administrators, representing nine different schools within the county. The exhibition, in its third consecutive year, is currently on display at the Coastal Discovery Museum through May 7. Art created by local high school students representing public and private schools, including Battery Creek High School, Beaufort Academy, Beaufort High School, Bluffton High School, Cross Schools, Hilton Head Island High School, Hilton Head Preparatory School, Island Academy of Hilton Head, and May River High School
Hailey Shupard, grade 11, May River High School.
comprised the show. Jurors Lisa D. Watson, a Savannah-based artist, and Angela Dore, Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District in Beaufort, selected the works to be displayed from 200 entries.
Works of art featuring painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and digital art were among the mediums used to create collection. Initial impressions of the quality of the students’ art, the variety and its visual impact have been notable. “One of the first comments we are consistently hearing from people entering the gallery is a stunned, ‘Wow, kids created this art? These works could easily be mistaken for that of professional artists!” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions of the Coastal Discovery Museum. “It is truly gratifying to see how the visual arts are thriving in our Beaufort County schools.” Karen McKenzie, director of teaching and learning for the Beaufort County School District, also praised students for their talents and expressive individuality.
“I am so proud of our county’s art educators and the impressive programs that are nurturing and cultivating the talents of these students. Pieces of art in the gallery not only showcase each individual but are representative of all portions of Beaufort County. The arts are an integral part of our schools and an important component to the programs we provide our students,” she said. “And research consistently draws strong correlations between the arts and increased student achievement.” In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum sponsored a competition to design the show’s postcard invitation. This year’s winning design was created by Lyla Alford, a student at Hilton Head Preparatory School.
ACCOLADES CONT. ON PAGE 27A