On March 15th, 2019 the YAM Passaic County show opened at the Louis Bay 2nd Library, in Hawthorne, New Jersey. During a two- week period the show was available to view during library hours. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Hawthorne Library for letting us exhibit our students’ works of art and have our reception. Adam Keeble is in charge of the programs and use of the available space at the library and was very helpful accommodating our county schools for this show and reception.
The 58 pieces of art that were exhibited represented grades K-12. A wide range of techniques and media were displayed including cloth dolls, clay masks, paintings in tempera and acrylic, pencil drawings, photography, and mixed media. Art was matted or framed and several pieces were displayed in glass cases and on pedestal.
Over 200 people attended the closing show on Thursday, March 28th from 6:30 to 8:00p.m. Passaic County YAM Chair Lisa Miller planned a scavenger hunt listing a description of several pieces of art and a line to write the first name of the artist when found. Students and adults enjoyed finding the different artworks among which were a pink dragon, three versions of the cat in the hat, and a photo of a woman sitting in a Laundromat.
Each teacher and student had a moment to shine as they handed out or received award certificates at the podium. Handmade donuts, cookies, a cheese platter, juices and water were served at a buffet table. The tables around the room were covered with cloths and several had helium balloons as centerpieces to add some excitement to the event. The Art Educators of New Jersey provided funding for refreshments and decorations and several teachers also donated food and drink.
Eight schools and nine teachers in our county participated in the show.: Clifton High School, Julie Chrobak, Eastern Christian High School, Donna Aceino and Jesse Wright. Hawthorne Christian Academy, Virginia Philippy, High Mountain School and Memorial School, Jen Lally, Passaic Arts and Science Charter, Clifton, Lisa Miller, Passaic Arts and Science Elementary, Kayla Blodgett, Passaic Arts and Science Charter, Paterson, Stars Academy, Passaic, Tawnya Stojakovic, Paterson Public School #10, Brandice Bello, and West Milford High, Peter Shaver.
This was Lisa Miller's first time assembling, hanging and running the Passaic County show and she said she really enjoyed the result. All that attended were appreciative of the event and proud of their art, students, and schools. Julie Chrobak of Clifton High School has run this event for the previous three years. Her support was essential in the planning of the event this year and Lisa is thankful for her assistance.
