Student Artists Shine at Nanuet Art Show

Kids everywhere pulled their parents in all directions to proudly show their families, “Look what I did!” Through the chaos, the High School’s Chamber Orchestra played soothing tunes of their choice, from classics to the Goo Goo Dolls, which added to the classy ambiance. The Concert Choir also sang for the last hour of the evening.

Melanie Sadoff, advisor to the Chamber Orchestra, emphasized the role of music in supporting the event. “We always love to support our art colleagues,” she said. “It’s a wonderful event, and we aim to help set the mood without taking away from the artwork.”

Kodi Smith, Director of Fine and Technical Arts K–12, helped coordinate the district-wide effort. This year’s exhibition featured several hundred works spanning a wide range of media and grade levels. “An art show that includes students of all ages is incredibly meaningful,” Smith said. “It allows younger students to be inspired by older peers, while families can see the full journey of artistic development.”

Building on the success of last year’s return to a K–12 format, the district expanded both the exhibition space and the number of works displayed. The event also introduced the elementary-high school collaboration and added food trucks for attendees. Looking ahead, Smith hopes to continue growing the tradition. “We want to find new ways to showcase student voice and strengthen community engagement with the arts,” she said.

The talk of the night was the collaboration between first graders and high schoolers. Inspired by an internet trend, the little ones drew monsters, including a name for it, and descriptions. But the excitement doesn’t end there, because those monster drawings and descriptions were shipped off to the high school ceramics classes, where students molded the creatures to life. The reception was the first time that the elementary students got to see the 3D versions of their monsters, and even meet the artists who brought them to life.

Kelly Jones, mother of first grader Kaitlin Jones, loved the idea and execution. “When we saw the sculpture I was like, ‘She did this?!’ It was so cool to see. And then we even got to take home the sculpture. It’s really special to be able to see that kind of collaboration,” Jones said.

The event was also a major undertaking for the Junior Chamber of Commerce, whose co-presidents, Isabella Fermin and Khadijah Hamid, spent the week preparing. “It’s been a lot of work, I’ll be honest,” Hamid said. “We don’t really know how it will all come together until the day of.” The club also helps with the Nanuet Fall Festival and the Christmas Tree Lightings. As seniors and art students, the showcase held particular meaning as they prepare to continue their artistic journeys: Fermin at Pratt Institute and Hamid at Fordham University.

“During school, after school, if you had a free period, you were downstairs wrapping up pieces and labeling them,” Fermin added. “Everybody put so much effort into making things, but it’s about laying it all out and making sure everyone’s work is seen. With so many students participating, that can be a challenge.” Even if students are not in an art class, they can submit their work and be featured at the show.

Both students also reflected on their personal artistic growth, as each president laid out about 10 pieces together as a cohesive display. “This year, the work I submitted was more focused on what I wanted to create,” Fermin said. “Last year, I did a lot for classes, but this time I wanted to show what makes me happy.”

“My art is driven by my emotions,” Hamid added. “They reflect real feelings I’ve been grappling with.” She explained that recurring characters in her work represent different parts of her personality, while also taking on projects for the school, including playbills, murals, and commissions.

Co-Presidents of the Junior Chamber Society Isabella Fermin (left) and  Khadijan Hamid (right) stand proudly in front of their collaborative display

Kelly Quartironi, a high school art teacher and advisor to the Junior Chamber of Commerce, praised her students’ dedication. “They worked directly with faculty, coming in during and after school to help set everything up,” she said. “They’re also learning the business side of art, how to promote work, organize an event, and even sell their creations.”

The Junior Chamber plays a key role in marketing and logistics, with students designing posters, managing social media, and helping run the show. “Many of our students are interested in both art and business,” Quartironi added. “This gives them real-world experience.”

Ruby Aday, a photography and studio art teacher, noted the growth of the event. “This year is even bigger than last year, which is incredible,” she said. “To have the entire district together in one place is really special.” As both a teacher and a parent in the district, Aday described the experience as full circle. “It’s great to see not only my students’ work, but also my child’s classmates,” she said. “My favorite part is how cohesive the district feels, K through 12. It’s something that’s been attempted before, and now it finally feels like it’s come together successfully.”