The Student Art Festival returns to Guild Hall in East Hampton from January 20 through February 26, with the theme of Eco vs Ego, inspired by guest thought leader Edwina von Gal.
The Student Art Festival: Eco vs Ego explores the symbiotic relationship with nature, asking students, schoolteachers, and artists to delve into topics such as needs and survival, infrastructure and growth, anthropomorphism and symbolism, and biophilia through the practices of art, design, horticulture, and performance.
Core to the festival is the Student Art Festival In-School Artist-in-Residence program. The program has engaged 20 artists over two academic years to work within 15 participating schools to create new works, culminating in exhibitions and performances with nearly 4,000 students.
“It has been incredible to see relationships between artists, students, and teachers develop over the past 2 to 3 years, and to witness the ways in which a conversation on ecology and symbiosis can transform into the creation of over 20 collaborative projects,” said Anthony Madonna, Guild Hall’s Patti Kenner Director of Learning + New Works. “From 200+ handmade paper pieces, life-sized shelters of driftwood and found materials, the formation of an ‘Echo Choir,’ and a large-scale video installation, each project is unique to students and artists, reflecting the diverse experiences communities can have within a single concept.”
“As art educators, my colleagues and I are thankful for Guild Hall’s willingness to take creative approaches to maintain a cultural relationship, bringing together a community of artists and student learning experiences, whether it is during a pandemic or a major renovation,” shared Heather Evans, Unified Arts Department Chair, East Hampton UFSD.
The artists-in-residence and participating schools include Pamella Allen and Springs School; Keren Anavy and Amagansett School; Darlene Charneco and Bridgehampton School; Viv Corringham and Springs School; Andrea Cote and The Bridgehampton Childcare & Recreation Center; Lionel Cruet and the Guild Hall Teen Arts Council; Mare Dianora and Bridgehampton School; Denise Silva-Dennis and Pierson Middle-High School; Jeremy Dennis and East Hampton High School; Brianna Hernandez and East Hampton High School; Liz Joyce with Wainscott and Sagaponack Schools; Laurie Lambrecht and Westhampton Beach Elementary School; Brett Loving and Project Most; Anthony Madonna and John Marshall Elementary School; Cheryl Molnar and Shelter Island School; Jody Oberfelder and Our Fabulous Variety Show; Beau Bree Rhee and East Hampton High School; Steven Sergiovanni and the Guild Hall Teen Arts Council; Alexandra Talty and Bridgehampton School; Rosario Varela and East Hampton Middle School.
A series of related programs will be presented throughout the exhibition, including an opening day celebration on Saturday, January 20, from noon to 2 PM. To learn more about related programming, visit guildhall.org/events.