“Touch the Future” Art Show

It is the 32nd year of the “Touch the Future” Art Show, and the submissions and creativity on display from students in 30 public high schools throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties has continued to remain fresh and appealing over time.

Held on March 3, the awards ceremony, sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Education Association/Mideastern Region (PSEA/MER), and Council for the Advancement of Public Schools at Arcadia University honored outstanding work from Bucks and Montgomery counties’ public high school students in 15 different categories.

The event, which juried in 350 pieces from 30 public high schools, also acknowledged Christa McAuliffe, NASA’s first teacher in space, who claimed her place in history in the Space Shuttle Challenger fatal accident. The art show was named in her memory. “I touch the future,” McAuliffe said. “I teach.”

Winning students took home more than $2,200 contributed by PSEA/MER, a $100 prize from the Selma Burke Sculpture Award, Inc., and scholarships from Arcadia University.

The Dr. Selma Burke Sculpture Award was presented by Edna White to Rebecca Banner, Cheltenham; teacher – Merav Nesvisky.

Best of Show went to the following: First Place: $250 Award, Morgan Evans, Springfield, teacher – Mark Kobasz, title − “Life-Sized Self Portrait”; second place: $200 award, Ruby Franke, Upper Dublin, teacher – John Rodgers, title – “Eschentisch”; third Place: $150 award; Clement Thomas, Cheltenham, teacher – Michael Oliveras; title – “American Dream.”

The Teachers’ Choice Award was given to Emily Carl, Printmaking, Upper Dublin, teacher – Jen Tulli, title – “Build Bridges Not Walls.”

Purchase Prizes awarded to Colleen Cooney Irwin and Brianna Rago. will hang permanently in the Pennsylvania State Education Association Offices (PSEA).

There were 15 Category Awards with $100 going to each winner. In the 2D Design Category, Central Bucks East student Sophia Lalli won for her work, “Dissected.” Lalli’s teacher is Helen Moriarty.

Katie Reed, assistant director of admissions at Temple University Tyler School of Art, juried the show.

“The collection of work was a prime example of the young talent that is entering the art world,” said Reed.

The volunteer co-chairs of the show were Lynne Pribis of Upper Dublin High School, serving for the 18th time, and Michael Werner of North Penn High School.

“Having the opportunity to see the amazing programs being offered by public high school art teachers in our region, and the art created by students as a result of that education, fuels my creative energy,” said Pribis.

“The arts are vital to the well-rounded education being provided in our region’s public schools,” said Alan M. Malachowski, president of PSEA/MER.

“Lynne is an example of the thousands of exceptional public school teachers in Bucks and Montgomery counties who never stop working to ensure that extraordinary opportunities are available for our students.”

The exhibition runs through March 28 during gallery hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.) at Arcadia University, University Commons Art Gallery Area and Great Room Lobby, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside.