Works by five Mount Madonna high school students – Brooke Staveland, Joseph Frediani, Kavi Duvvoori, Taylor Krilanovich and Uma O’Neill – are among those currently on exhibit in the Santa Cruz Art League’s 56th Annual High School Show. The show features more than 750 works from high school students throughout the county, and the public is invited to an artists’ reception on Saturday, May 7 from 3:00 to 5:00pm.
“This show is a great opportunity for our students to participate with peers from other high schools in Santa Cruz County,” comments Nicola Percy, MMS high school art teacher and artist. “I look forward to adding greater focus and numbers of artworks for next year’s show. I recommend that all students, families and friends go and see this amazing array of creative visual expression.”
The MMS participants are all 10th grade students who have studied with Percy for the past two years. The curriculum they have been working on is rich in fine art subject matter and techniques. In addition to exploring an array of mediums, Percy encourages each student to grow individually through their own personal art pieces.
The MMS student works in the exhibition are:
Brooke Staveland, Sunset , chalk pastel. “Brooke has experimented with this medium over a prolonged period and produces bold, colorful pieces, says Percy. “This work is full of warm oranges, reds and yellows representing a hot sunset in an arid terrain.”
Joseph Frediani, Flesh Tone Study . “Joseph’s piece is a study in color mixing using acrylic paints over a gesso base on paper, to create a sequence of subtle shades of flesh-like tones,” Percy says. “The tones range from delicate peaches to dusky browns. It is an abstract visual piece with rhythm and repetition.”
Kavi Duvvoori, 8 Faces. “ Kavi’s piece is 8 observational studies of his classmates brought together in one frame,” Percy explains. “These are really drawings in paint. No first sketch in pencil exists, just expressive loose lines to indicate the sitter’s features. Each portrait captures the essence and look of one of his classmates.”
Taylor Krilanovich, Sculpture Garden, acrylic paint on watercolor paper. “Taylor has been working on a series of acrylic paintings of fantasy scenarios,” according to Percy. “The series may include animals, flowers and delicate landscapes. This piece is inspired by the artist M.C. Escher, who made impossible geometric shapes that tease the eye.”
Uma O’Neill, Spring Blossom, acrylic paint on gessoed watercolor paper. “Uma’s painting began as a still life study of blossoms that I brought in for the students to draw,” says Percy. “Uma expanded her original drawing into a simplified painted design with careful consideration of color and line.”
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56th Annual High School Show
through May 22 at the Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz
Public Reception: Saturday, May 7, 3:00-5:00pm
More information, (831) 426-5787
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CONTACT: LEIGH ANN CLIFTON, MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.