Dan's Papers - February 15, 2008 - Art Commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss

While we may be in the middle of the winter doldrums, we can't say the same for the art scene when it comes to the student shows at both Guild Hall and the Parrish Art Museum. Their appearance each year gives credence to the fact that art is alive and well at our local schools despite the general lack of appreciation in America's overall educational system.

For once, therefore, we'd like to hear a presidential candidate comment on the importance of the arts. For once, we'd like to to hear the President's State of the Union speech champion the arts when a prerequisite list of domestic accomplishments is being cited.

"Art" seems to be a nonexistent issue on America's agenda. Not so at our local student exhibits where innovation, vision, experimentation and craftsmanship are acknowledged concerns in our curriculum. Such works at Guild Hall celebrate the efforts of students from kindergarden to eighth grades and include diverse materials (like clay and textiles) as well as media (like drawings, sculptures, watercolors, ceramics and mobiles).

As with past years, the exhibit also features the interdisciplinary approach to art, where an art project is associated with a class in history, for example. Thus, the Stella Maris School (Grade 6) created an installation, The Sphinx, to go along with its study of Egypt. The lower grades also concentrate on group projects rather than individual expressions saved for older students. Consider, for example, a charming Koi fish pond by the Amagansett kindergarten or a Mayan cup display by Ross School's seventh grade.

Regardless of the focus, all the projects were a pleasure to see and experience. Yet we are compelled, particularly, to comment on the following efforts: The Springs School's (sixth grade) pictographs; C.D.C.H.'s (sixth grade) "Harlequin by Picasso";C.D.C.H.'s (Kindergarden) "Montauk Mosaic"; Montauk Public School's birds in watercolor and ink; and Springs School's hanging textile display. Not only did the works show a command of technique, but also demonstated a knowledge of subject matter and a sensitivity of expression. Springs School, especially, used rags as found objects in a most mature way.

The Ross School's installation of photographs and Islamic calligraphy in the expression of "truth" was another work that showed aesthetic maturity. It was the only consciously - developed "conceptual" piece in the show and real food for thought.

The second part of the Student Art Show (grades 9-12) will be on view from February 16-March 9.