Rewarding Art

Two weeks ago, more than 200 art students from Mamaroneck High School, New Rochelle High School and the French American School were honored by having their artwork displayed as part of the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild's "Young Artists on the Rise" exhibit. 

 On April 7, some of the top students were honored even further, when awards were given out at a special reception and award ceremony at the gallery. 
 
Rachel Dorsey of New Rochelle High School won a first place award for her mixed media piece, "What Lies Beyond." 
 
"We are exploring the idea of what is self and what is truth and the different layers of that and that is what my work is," said the senior, who will be continuing her art schooling at the School of Art in Chicago next fall. "It's really nice to get recognition, but all of us will be recognized throughout the years and I'm sure other people who didn't get recognized deserve it as much as me, if not more. The work displayed here is incredible."
 
Another first place winner was Kevin Malone, a senior at New Rochelle High School, who did an acrylic painting called "Silver Shadow."
 
"I'm honored. It means a lot and I was shocked," Malone said. "Everything that is here, I think is amazing, and to see I won first place, it's just…wow."
 
Grace Fraioli, an art teacher at New Rochelle High School and long-time MAG member, was on hand at the reception and was thrilled to see so many of her students receive recognition.
 
"This is just wonderful," she said. "They started this a number of years ago to support the talents of the children of the community. It's a really nice relationship between the Mamaroneck and New Rochelle high schools and a great exchange of creative ideas and energy."
 
The Best in Show award went to Mamaroneck High School's Fran Brauning for her painting "Josefina," which was a favorite of the jury judging the show.
 
"This was a hard show for the jury because there are so many amazing works in the show," said MAG Director Suzanne Montresor. 
 
Another winner from Mamaroneck High School was Katherine Flores, whose drawing "Toyland" took home a second place prize.
 
"I created a setting where the toys would live if they were alive. It was really fun to create," Flores said. "I was very happy to find out I had won. I worked really hard on it and it was great to be recognized."
 
Julia Marvel from New Rochelle High School also received a second place award for her pastel, "All Blurring Into One."
 
"It's a bunch of transparencies layered together. My concept was making physical layers of sound represented through pieces of art," she said. "Winning was great. It shows that my hard work and love for art has paid of so I'm happy."
 
All the artwork can be seen until the show ends on April 9.