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Student artists “Touch the Future” at Montco show

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The gallery was bursting at the seams with wall-to-wall art enthusiasts while David DiValentino’s North Penn Navy Jazz Combo Band played softly in the background. It could have been mistaken for a major city museum in New York or Philadelphia, the walls hung salon style with some of the most spectacular art work around town.

Sunday’s 36th Annual Touch the Future Art Show featured the top works of students in Bucks and Montgomery counties in collaboration with Montgomery County Community College in the Blue Bell Art Gallery. The 2023 show awarded 23 prizes for a total of $3,900 in the Parkhouse Hall Atrium adjacent to the gallery.

“Touch the Future” pays tribute to Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space who perished aboard the Challenger in 1986. She was known to have said, “I touch the future. I teach.”

“Seeing the students’ creativity shine — and in the setting of a professional gallery — is truly inspiring,” said Alan Malachowski, president of PSEA’s Mideastern Region, which sponsors the exhibit along with the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools.

Emily L. Dugan, admissions counselor at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, selected winners from the 449 works of art submitted from 26 public high schools.

“The best part of my job as an admissions counselor is getting to see all the incredible work that you, the students, submit to us when applying to college,” Dugan said in an excerpt from her juror’s statement. “I can say with certainty that I was blown away. Looking at each piece, thinking about how you all have pushed yourself creatively, conceptually, and through materials has left me overwhelmed; not just at the power of art and creativity, but of the empathic and vulnerable ways in which you all did so.”

The art show, open to the public, will continue at the Blue Bell Art Gallery through March 30.

“Montgomery County Community College is delighted to host this annual exhibition that highlights the amazing artwork created by the region’s talented high school students,” said Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President. “Hosting an exhibit that honors Christa McAuliffe is befitting since MCCC’s Pottstown Campus is home to Pennsylvania’s first and only Challenger Learning Center, which continues the legacy of the crew of Challenger flight STS-51 (including Christa McAuliffe) by providing interactive STEM-based space missions.”

In a strong showing for Bucks County, the top two awards — first and second overall Best of Show — went to Miah Yamada, of Council Rock High School North, and Ava Morgan, of Central Bucks High School West.

Kathryn Murray, of Souderton Area High School, took third place overall Best of Show.

Other local winners in various categories included: Iman Azeez, of Council Rock South; Bane Child, Pennsbury; Maiah McGowen, Pennridge; Kendra Hudson, Council Rock South; Philip Racek, Souderton; Madison O’Sullivan, Truman; Via Alessandro, William Tennent; Fotima Akramova, Council Rock South; Lizzie Shvelidze, Council Rock South; Camille Padilla, Pennsbury; Emma Pretcher, Pennsbury; and Trinity Hobbs, Souderton.

The Rosemary Hamilton Memorial Award will be chosen by teachers at the closing reception of the show on March 30.


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