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By Rama K Ramaswamy
Wellesley Parents Supporting Art Students (WPSAS), an organization of parents, alumni and community members who work to support arts in Wellesley’s K-12 school system and to foster an arts community around it, instituted the first, new awards program for eighth grade students in the Wellesley Public Schools.
The Emerging Artist Award (EAA) for Wellesley Middle School Students awarded four scholarships for visual art instruction. Each scholarship, valued at $300, is to be used for teen art courses at one of the main local Museum or Art Schools in the area.
This year, the WPSAS sponsored Emerging Artist Awards offers classes at the Danforth Art School in Framingham.
WPSAS Co-President Margaret Petrovich noted that the WPSAS is a new organization that was formed three years ago.
“We are pleased that we have generated enough funds through donations and fund raising to be able to offer these scholarships to aspiring young artists,” Petrovich said. “Other events that WPSAS has in addition to fund raising throughout the year, are a ‘Night at the Museum’, in collaboration with the Davis Museum, and a winter Potluck Social for parents and teachers to appreciate Wellesley Public Schools Art teachers.”
Four WPS 8th graders, Bianca Falcone, Charlotte Jones, Savannah Laffey and Ethan Lomes were awarded by WPSAS as this year’s “emerging artists” at the annual Art Exhibit reception at Wellesley Free Library; lookout for event coverage on local TV by Wellesley Media on channels 9 or 39.
WPSAS Co-President Mahitha Reddy commented that 8th grade is typically when students place their artistic pursuits on the back-burner in lieu of other subjects and through high school; they (WPSAS) felt that awarding 8th graders would inspire these students, on the cusp of high school, to continue with their artistic penchants.
Although the Annual WPS Student Art Show is, according to Reddy, “an exhibit that celebrates the hard work and creativity of Wellesley’s K-12 students, it also showcases the incredible artwork of Wellesley students who won 2016 Scholastic Art Awards.”
Every year, almost since its inception, WPS students have earned Gold, Silver Key and special mention awards from the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
The Wellesley Library is filled once again this year, with creativity ranging from K-12th graders, for the whole community to enjoy.
Wellesley’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Lussier, stated, “our artists in residence, WPS art teachers are second to none.”
Lussier was spotted appreciating the colorful and creative installations at the Annual Art Show and also chatting with parents, artists and teachers alike.
K-12 WPS Art Director, Thomas Carter was also present and said he was “very proud” of his students and staff.
“We are so fortunate that the Wellesley Free Library regularly hosts are annual K-12 Art Show,” Carter said. “It is a beautiful and perfect venue to showcase the visual thinking and creativity of our students with the Wellesley community. It is so exciting that WPSAS created the Emerging Artist Awards- what a great opportunity for our students and their art.”
