(‘23)
This year’s District Art Show was held in the Indian Hills Art Gallery on Thursday, March 30th, recognizing the creative talents of students from both Ramapo and Indian Hills. The art show features 135 student artists from the district, representing a variety of mediums, including photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media, and more.
Every year the Art Department runs the District Art Show, with the hosts of the event alternating each year between the two high schools. Mrs. Batti, an art teacher at Indian Hills, explains, “So every year we divide out the tasks for each art teacher to do a different task, so one person reaches out to organize the food, one person works on the posters, another person works on the brochures, another person secures the musical talents for the night, for the live music. We usually set the date a year beforehand to ensure it doesn’t conflict with anything in the district. Everybody has a different thing to plan beforehand, so it is very efficient…” This year’s art show had accompaniment by string instrument student musicians, as well as plenty of treats for all the guests. In addition, every year one student from either Indian Hills or Ramapo High School designs the cover art/poster for the event. Ramapo Junior, Avery Debiak, illustrated the 2023 District Art Show cover with colorful, emotional renderings of facial features.
There is also no requirement to be in an art class in order for work to be featured in the show. Mrs. Batti comments, “We promote the art show with the students, and depending on the level of the class, it is either a requirement or voluntary. Oftentimes students that are not in the art classes often like to participate and they are welcomed. What is lovely about the art show is that it is a district art show so I feel like it brings the whole creative community together.”
Sean Blake, a student artist in Mrs. Batti’s AP art class, shares, “My favorite part about the art show was how big it was… it felt good to be a part of and connect with this large art community.”
“Every year my favorite part of the art show is that there is a wide range of artistic voices in the show, you can see interest in different subjects, there are different styles, so there is a very wide range of creative expression in the art show,” Mrs. Batti adds on. She also expressed how she enjoys getting to interact with the students and their families in a different setting outside of the classroom while getting to hear more about an alternate side of their life.
Creative expression in the RIH District is highly encouraged, supported, and appreciated by faculty and students alike. People amass at each year’s art show not only to appreciate the talents of the artists, but also to take a glimpse into other cultures, mindsets, emotions, and histories, as well as network and socialize. Art conveys a meaning and an emotion, captivating viewers and creating an indirect connection that brings together the people in the room. The annual art show is only one way how the RIH District aims to promote creativity and connection throughout the community.
