The self-portraits of 12 Queensbury High School student-artists were recently on display at the Tom Myott Gallery at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls.
Last semester, QHS art students learned portrait painting from local artist Tracy Nzambi in collaboration with Heather Wright, Queensbury’s Art Department chairperson.
Students created self-portraits using acrylic paint on canvas, incorporating elements of composition and color to convey personal stories that would not be evident in a traditional portrait. To enhance the viewer's experience, the students wrote artist statements that further elaborated on their narratives.
“This project went beyond simply crafting beautiful artwork,” Wright said. “It taught students how to envision a piece from conception to completion with a clear objective. The student-artists had to consider their intended message and the conversation they wished to initiate with their audience.”
Students explored themes from cultural heritage to mental health challenges. They were also tasked with scaling their compositions onto larger canvases while honing their technical skills in value, lines and edges, and color mixing.
Those same portraits are now on display in the high school gallery.
The students who participated in the art show include: Roxanne Chen, Amelia Comstock, Reagan Fish, Ava Gonroff, Cayla Hoskins-Pfeiffer, Rei Mapes, Analiese Mastantuono, Sarah McCray, Eleanor Paigo, Nina Polunci, Lillie-Mae Sheldrick and Jahdiel Torres Davila.
