Schools
Riverhead Art Students Amaze with Audre Lorde Portrait
Annual Participation in East End Arts Council Project Continues to Encourage Collaboration and Creativity
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 2024)—Riverhead High School students have once again impressed with their artwork for the East End Arts Council’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. portrait project. This year, students assembled individual panels to form an image of influential poet and civil rights activist Audre Lorde.
“This project continues to be a proven success,” said Riverhead High School art teacher Jo-Ann Dellaposta. “Students thoroughly enjoy partaking and working together. Fellow Riverhead High School art teacher Selena Pagliarulo and I select the participating students from our classes based on skill and a desire to participate in a meaningful community project.”
Audre Lorde was a Black lesbian woman who committed herself to confronting all forms of oppression. Her work was centered on civil rights, intersectional feminism and the exploration of identities. She was New York State poet laureate, an inductee of the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor and Chicago’s Legacy Walk, and the namesake of Publishing Triangle’s Audre Lorde Award. Students first learned about Lorde’s life and legacy and then began creating their panels.
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The following students participated in the project: Edwin Canel Xuya, Diana Espana, Lillian Garcia, Hiranya Gunasingha, Alexandria Hernandez, Bennie Japa Auquilla, Eunice Kim, Jacquline Luna, Abigail Marin, Judith Mata, Larissa Quick, Kelsey Saladino, Victoria Salazar, and Michell Vizcalla Salas.
The finalized portrait was displayed in the main atrium of Riverhead High School before being showcased by the East End Arts Council. The East End Arts Council is displaying the portrait, as well as those of the other participating schools, to the public at the East End Arts School Gallery at 141 East Main Street in Riverhead until February 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Private viewings during this time can be scheduled at 631-369-2171.
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On March 1st, the East End Arts Council will host a reception to celebrate the student artists. The artwork will then be available for sale to support the East End Arts scholarship fund for art and music students in need.
For more information about the Riverhead Central School District, please visit the district’s website at www.riverhead.net. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.
