Five students were recognized for their artistic excellence, displaying artwork at Kean University’s James Howe Gallery

This is the first year that students from multiple NPS high schools were selected to participate in the Emerging Artists Exhibit
This is the first year that students from multiple NPS high schools were selected to participate in the Emerging Artists Exhibit

[Newark, NJ – February 10, 2017] Newark Public School (NPS) students were recognized at an awards reception for the 29th annual Art Administrators of New Jersey (AANJ) Emerging Artists Exhibit at Kean University on Sunday, January 29. This year, the Emerging Artists Exhibit recognized five NPS high school students, along with 37 other high school students from 30 different high schools across New Jersey, for their artistic achievements. Each student’s artwork was on display at the James Howe Gallery at Kean University for the public to observe from January 9 through the 29.

“Congratulations to the five scholars from our Newark school community who were selected to participate in this year’s Emerging Artists Exhibit for their outstanding artistic talents,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “Art education plays an important role in every student’s educational experience and we value the Art Administrators of New Jersey for showcasing the incredible work of Newark’s young artists and continuing to promote artistic expression across New Jersey’s schools.”

The five artists from NPS selected to participate in this year’s AANJ exhibition were:

  • Mariama Saysay of American History High School
  • Melissa Tapia of Arts High School
  • Matthiu Doliscar of Central High School
  • Gianna Torres of Science Park High School
  • Jalen Arline of West Side High School

Students, family members, friends, teachers, administrators, and policy makers came together to celebrate these young artists at the reception. All student artwork was selected and submitted by current secondary art educators at each student’s respective school, and each chosen Emerging Artist was presented with a Certificate of Participation from the Art Administrators of New Jersey (AANJ) during the awards ceremony.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Newark students to share their artistic creations in a public art space and connect with one another about their creative process. The range of media and approach to subject matter is a testament to their engagement with arts instruction and learning,” said Margaret El, Special Assistant for the Arts of Newark Public Schools.

2017 marks the first year that students from multiple NPS high schools participated in the Emerging Artists Exhibit. Students from Arts High School have participated in the annual competition since 2011 and have been recognized with two honorable mentions and one merit award over the years.

Established in 1988, Emerging Artists seeks to highlight the artistic achievements of New Jersey’s high school students and simultaneously expand public awareness of art education across the state. Each year, selected student artwork is judged and four merit awards and four honorable mention awards are presented to individual students. Merit and honorable mention award recipients are also eligible to submit a portfolio of artwork and compete in the Art Administrators’ Achievement Award program, through which one student is selected to receive a Governor’s Award, as well as a monetary reward, in the spring.