13 student artists received national recognition

“Clampaphobia,” by Rebecca Upham-Davis of Pinkerton Academy (Gold Medal Award) 

By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- Thirteen talented New Hampshire student artists — including three from Pinkerton Academy — will be recognized during the 2011 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards ceremony to be held at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 31

“The Bird Catchers,” by Max Norton

“Fighting Back,” by
Max Norton of Pinkerton Academy

Work created by the 13 winning artists was selected originally from 1,391 submissions in 20 visual art categories from students in grades seven through 12. There were 237 “Gold Key” entries submitted to the national competition in January.
State program administrator Scott Chatfield, an art teacher at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, said the 88year-old competition continues today because it means everything to young artists who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to show their work — or earn scholarships — for their efforts. Last year more than $1 million in scholarships and prizes were awarded through the Scholastic awards program, which has launched the careers of notable past recipients, including Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Joyce Carol Oates and Sylvia Plath.
Select award-winning art and writing will be exhibited at the World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery in Lower Manhattan from June 1-19. Mayor Bloomberg has declared May 31 the official Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Day and the top of the Empire State Building will be lit gold in honor of the students’ achievements. 
This year’s state award recipients are: Tesia Whittier, a senior at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, for her photo Watching Us from the China Cabinet — Silver Medal Award. 
Jess Rau, a senior from Campbell High School in Litchfield, for her self-portrait drawing Dysphoria — Silver Medal Award. 
Emma Johnson, a senior from Dover High School, for jewelry Navajo Dream — Silver Medal Award. 
Peter McLean, a junior from The Dublin School, for his photo Barn — Silver Medal Award. 
Katie Laurent, a senior from Gilford High School, for her photo Origins — Silver Medal Award. 
Brandon Ferroli, a sophomore at John Stark Regional High School, for his untitled self-portrait drawing — Silver Medal Award. 
Mina Hibino, a junior at Keene High School, for her drawing Dormant Conifers — American Vision Medal for New Hampshire. Aya Peters, a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, for her Art Portfolio — Silver Medal Award with Distinction, one of 30 recipients who each received a $1,000 scholarship. 
Max Norton, a senior at Pinkerton Academy, for his painting The Bird Catchers — Silver Medal Award; and for his mixed media piece Fighting Back — Silver Medal Award. 
Rachael Ready, a sophomore at Pinkerton Academy, for her painting Rambo Pear — Silver Medal Award. 
Rebecca Upham-Davis, a junior at Pinkerton Academy, for her painting Clampaphobia — Gold Medal Award. Marie Palaima, a senior at Spaulding High School, for her mixed media piece Pieced and Bronzed Tree — Silver Medal Award. 
Megan Hopkins, a senior at Winnacunnet High School, for her painting Finding the Light — Silver Medal Award. 
Since 1923, more than 13 million students have been recognized, receiving upwards of $25 million in scholarships. 
The program is supported by Scholastic Inc., Maurice R. Robinson Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Command Web Offset, AMD Foundation, The New York Times, Dick Blick Co., Ovation and New York Life Foundation. 
Local sponsors include Pinkerton Academy, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the Brown-Monson Foundation, the New Hampshire Art Educators’ Association, the Currier Museum of Art, Coca-Cola of Northern New England, and John and Sheila Hoglund.