Danny Aronsohn

The annual senior exhibit in the Corvus Gallery is running from through May 3.

The annual Senior Art Show, located in the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall through May 3, displays seniors’ work in media such as digital art, photography, traditional painting, drawing and three dimensions.

Fine Arts teacher Gina Alicea curated the show, while juniors Nana Gyang-Akoto and Ilana Umanskiy served as interns, helping with the poster and forms to submit artwork. 

Ms. Alicea notes that Lab’s curriculum offers art classes to students every year, something that does not happen in many other schools, and how that affects the quality of the seniors’ work.

“By the time that they are seniors in high school, they are producing artwork that is on the level of college students, and their work is just amazing,” Ms. Alicea said, “so I think it’s really important to have a special space to showcase them and show off their work and have a moment of celebration for them.”

Tara Sawhney has multiple pieces in the gallery, but she specifically is proud of her painting “Femininity,” which depicts a blue-eyed woman gazing into the distance.

“I like the message that it sends,” Tara said, “and I think my technique on that one was probably the highest because I did it most recently.”

After hearing that her work would be shown, Tara was grateful and excited.

“I think it’s a cool opportunity for seniors,” Tara said, “especially to have their own little area, and I was just happy to hear that it would be displayed.”

Hannah Dinner, who also has work displayed, is glad to have a gallery dedicated to senior work.

“I think it’s nice to get to see other people’s pieces and what they’ve been working on,” Hannah said. “For a lot of people, I don’t really see what they are working on, and it’s really cool to get to see that.”

Nana volunteered to help with the exhibit to see more artistic work around the school since her full schedule prevents her from taking many art classes.

“It was a way to see into the lives of different students because I didn’t know so many people who I’ve known to be STEM-oriented actually had artistic interests,” Nana said. “A lot of their art pieces were realistic, paintings and scenery of the different people in their lives, so it was interesting to see their personal experiences and how that works into art.”

After taking art for so many years, most seniors will not be provided with the opportunity to engage in the arts after they graduate. 

“It’s kind of sad, honestly,” Tara said. “I kind of like having a specific place to go and paint or create art. Especially during the school day it’s nice to have a little break.”