Commercial Art Students Featured at Prestigious Katonah Young Artist Exhibit

  • student artwork on display
  • Student artwork on display
  • student artwork on display

Student art at Katonah Museum

Several students in the Commercial Art program of Southern Westchester BOCES’ Center for Career Services currently have their work on display in the Katonah Museum of Art’s annual Young Artists exhibit. This prestigious event showcases the talent of young artists from across the region and provides a platform for them to display their work to a wider audience.

This year's event was particularly special as the museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary of the Young Artists show. In addition to displaying the work of high school seniors, Young Artists 2023 gives students the opportunity to participate behind-the-scenes in many aspects of mounting a museum exhibition.

Under the guidance of teacher Damian Powers, 10 students displayed their exceptional talent in various mediums and participated in all aspects of the exhibit, from designing promotional material to curating and installing all the work in the gallery.

“My teacher from my home school saw my piece at the museum and she told me how impressed she was with the work,” senior Ife Akinbola said of his artwork. “It made me feel good to know that my artwork is on display for the public to see.”

Ife said his piece, titled Mom, was inspired by his mother, of whom he is very proud. He presented the artwork to her as a birthday gift. 

“Mr. Powers always encourages us to take chances with our artwork and show it to as many people as possible. I was really glad he encouraged me to show my work at the museum,” said senior Arianna Hoover-lluesma.

Arianna created an acrylic piece specifically for the show and titled it “Carasa Para Nada” or Face for Nothing.

More than 40 districts from Dutchess, Fairfield, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties are participating in the Young Artists Show, which runs through February 27.

"I am incredibly proud of our students and the work they have produced," said Mr. Powers. "The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for these young artists to showcase their talent and gain recognition for their hard work and dedication to their craft."