Students featured in The Gathering Place’s art show and their families. CLARKS SUMMIT – The seventh annual Our Town Student Art Show was recently held at The Gathering Place.
Junior and senior students from Abington Heights High School submitted works in drawing, mixed media, painting and photography. Senior students competed for a grand prize scholarship. Senior and junior students could also win monetary prizes.
The art show and scholarship was established by the late Shirley Wagner Eagen.
“My mom Shirley Wagner Eagen grew up in Mount Pocono during the depression with little means. Her neighbor, Mrs. Merwine recognized her talent when she was 7 and taught her drawing, sewing, needle point and embroidery. She encouraged her to pursue the arts and took her to a museum in New York City where she learned about displaying art for the public to view,” said Gretchen Eagen Makie a member of the Abington Civic League Inc. and daughter of Shirely Wagner Eagen.
Shirley Wagner Eagen went to Whiteny School of Art in Hartford Connecticut.
She was a self-employed interior decorator and antique business owner and owned an Irish Import store in Clarks Summit. She enjoyed all forms of art especially drawing and painting. Her medium preference was Egg Tempera. She also did sculpting, live flower gardens, embroidery and needle-point decorating and nature.
“Juniors and seniors involved in higher level art classes at Abington Heights High School are offered the opportunity to participate. Teachers in the art department present the opportunity to the classes and the students decide if they would like to be part of the community show. The teachers then assist the students in choosing which piece of artwork they would like to submit,” said Abigail Fenton, an art teacher Abington Heights High School.
“I participated in photography and submitted a photo called “Tranquility of Snow.” It was a photo featuring a snow covered branch, the quiet night sky and a warm house. I have been involved in art my entire life through different forms such as music, drawing, photography, film and acting. Art is very important to me because it takes the color of the world and the soul and presents it for eyes to see,”said Liam Fenton a senior who won the award for overall artistic achievement.
He will attend Temple in the fall and major in Film and Cinematography.
“The art show makes me feel good about their generation and their talent. I appreciate the art teachers and all their time and effort. I could not do it without them,” said Ann Armezzani, secretary of The Gathering Place and organizer of the Our Town Art Show.
Katie James submitted a painting called “Moments.” She won the award for junior painting.
“The inspiration of the painting was from a camping trip my family and I took a few years ago at a lake,” she said. “We had nightly campfires and I wanted the moment of the talks we had, stories we told and jokes we made. I have always loved art and have been creating since I was little. About 4 years ago, I found my specialty in acrylics. I love how the way you are able to make it your own style and how the medium lays on the materials. It motivated me more and helped me become more confident in my work.”
The following senior students were award winners:
• Evelyn Walters, overall artistic achievement
• Jeiline Maldonado and Savannah Hazleton, painting
• Kylie Soter, mixed media
• Kaitlynn Clark, photography
• Liz Cowgill, Drawing
Other senior students participating include: Geoffrey Brock, Avijit Sing, Mia Venesky, Saye Takehara, Cas Standley, Olivia Gingerlows, Abby Adamsky, Gavin Czaja, Ethan Flynn, Jake Rowlands, Thomas Wheeler and Nurun Iilam.
The following junior students were award winners:
• Katie James, painting
• John Shelley, drawing
• Matthew Kearney, mixed media
• Lia Norton, photography
Other junior students participating: Rebekah Kroptavish, Ethan Grives, Savannah Staples, Mackenzie Augis, Lia Norton, Aidon Souza and Jocelyn Gocek.
“I love that the show gives the students a chance to see their artwork displayed in a professional manner and in a real gallery. It is a way to bring the community together and showcase our talented students. Monetary prizes have been generously given to students whose work stands out. I think it is important for students to participate in the art show for exposure, the experience of attending a gallery opening and the sense of pride the students get when they see their framed work on the walls being celebrated.,” said Abigail Fenton.
“I submitted a drawing of nails bunched in the spring. I always liked doodling and have been expressing myself a lot lately,” Shelley said.
Tim Butler and Michelle Fangio are Abington Heights High School art teachers who also selected students for the art show.
“My mom would say you see beauty in everything especially in all forms of nature. Art was a means to express this beauty herself and share with others. The beauty of art was the discovery and sharing for her generation and years to come. She also had a passion to teach others especially young people. She enjoyed the solitude in working in art as well. It is important to have their artwork displayed for others to see and enjoy, which also provides a form of recognition and encouragement to continue their work. Abington Township was her home and she loved the area and wanted to recognize the young aspiring artists in this area and enable them to pursue their dreams and beyond,” said Gretchen Eagen Mackie.
Tara Crum, Joan Matsui, Michael Sorrentino and Trinka Ravaioli were judges for the art show.
Donations for the Shirley Wagner Art Scholarship can be made by check and sent to Gretchen Welby Eagen, PO Box 179, Waverly, PA 18471
For more information contact, Gretchen Eagen Mackie at 570-878-9795 or gemmackie818@gmail.com.
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