Student creativity spotlighted during month-long exhibition at NYSUT HQ

Capital Region BOCES is celebrating the creative expression and talent of students from across the region with our 37th annual Student Art show.

Students and their families observe and take photos of the artworks on display during the annual Capital Region BOCES Student Art Show reception. Curated as part of the Capital Region BOCES Arts in Education program, the exhibition features over 200 pieces of exceptional student art, ranging from digital art, paintings, drawings, sculptures and even a pair of hand-made earrings. The artworks will be on display in the Atrium at the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) headquarters in Latham until April 30.

Close up photo of Karen Swain, Capital Region BOCES Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, as she delivers the opening reception speech to a crowd of CRB staff, student artists, their families and teachers. “Each piece truly is a window into a unique mind, unique heart and a unique way of seeing the world. And that’s the power of creativity right? It asks nothing of us but to be honest and in return it gives us something that can’t be measured,” said Karen Swain, Capital Region BOCES Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “A voice, a vision, and the courage to share both with the world.”

A close up photo of a heart sculpture that is on display at the Student Art Show. The Capital Region BOCES Arts in Education service helps districts integrate arts and enrichment activities into their school curriculum, “providing students with opportunities and experiences that they may not otherwise have access to,” said Colleen Meharg, Capital Region BOCES Arts in Education program manager. “The art show allows their pieces to be viewed by a wider audience and for the students to make connections with fellow artists and instructors.”

Ashli Sulo, a student at Bethlehem Central School District, expressed gratitude for the Arts in Education program that made it possible for her to pour into something she has always enjoyed.

“I draw a lot so I would consider myself an artist. I’ve been drawing since I was seven or eight. When I saw that there was a studio art option I felt like I had to take it, because it’s an opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” said Sulo.

When describing the inspiration behind her piece, she said “I really like the color blue and like to shade a lot. I was thinking about how I could make different colors and how I could work them into looking like one side is lighter where the sun would be reflecting on or and then the shadows. And I started thinking about the ocean or the lake back where I grew up in Albania.”

A photo of a young student as she kneels down next her artwork that's on display. The school districts that are represented in this year’s Art Show include Bethlehem; Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; Cohoes; CRB Airline, Maywood and CVL academies; Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk; Schalmont; Schenectady; and Scotia-Glenville.

Special Education Art Teacher Rebecca Phillips, who helped select pieces for the show, spoke about the profound effect art has on her students at Capital Region BOCES.

“Sometimes it’s the first and only thing that they feel really confident about and be proud of. It also showcases what they can do, that they can follow directions well and that they can succeed,” she said.

A student smiles while pointing to his artwork as his photo is taken by a family member. All are welcome to check out the Student Art Show Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 800 Troy Schenectady Rd. Latham.

Special thanks to Nancy Lussier from Scotia-Glenville Central School District, the Capital Region BOCES Educational Support Services team, NYSUT, and the amazing school district staff who helped bring the show to fruition.