LENOX, Mass. — The first annual Lenox Student Art Show is now on display in the Welles Gallery at the Lenox Library through Oct. 25. 

 

The show was created by the Lenox Chamber of Commerce and The Wit Gallery as a way for students attending school within the Lenox Cultural District to participate in ArtWeek Berkshires, Sept 16-26.

 

Submissions were requested from Lenox students grades 6-12. The theme is "Belonging: Seeing Yourself and Others." Students were asked to represent artistically "What it means to be seen, heard, and valued."

 

Over 100 submissions were received. The senior submissions were juried and Chloe Inhelder received recognition for artistic achievement for her piece, "Man's World." 

 

The jury consisted of Deirdre McKenna, Creative Services Manager from the Lenox Chamber, Lynda Strauch, owner of The Wit Gallery in Lenox, Sharron Frazier-McClain, Community Engagement and EDI Coordinator, Barrington Stage Company, and Jeff Minkler, a local judge.

 

"We wish to thank the students for bringing their honesty and creativity to this project. We received works that represented the diversity of the students' identities and experiences. The jurors enjoyed seeing the different interpretations and creative approaches to the theme. We found powerful ideas, deep feeling, humor, and inventive uses of materials. We hope to expand upon and develop the art show project in the future," McKenna said.

 

Ms. Inhelder will receive a scholarship award of $250, with the two honorable mentions (Camryn O'Dell and Sabrina Lewis) each receiving a $100 scholarship. 

 

The participants of all other grades will receive $100 to be donated to a local DEI community organization of their choosing. The awards are made possible through sponsorships from Lee Bank at the Gold level and Adams Community Bank at the Silver level.

 

Additional funds were provided by the Lenox Cultural District to cover the show expenses. The Lenox Library donated the use of the gallery space.

 

Lenox Loves Art is supported in part by the Lenox Cultural District, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council.