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Arts & Entertainment

New Hyde Park High Students in "An Artistic Discovery"

Three artists are in Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's Congressional Art Competition.

Some New Hyde Park High School students showed off their artistic talents in the The Gallery at Adelphi University’s Ruth S. Harley University Center on Wednesday evening. 

Every year since 1998, U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy hosts “An Artistic Discovery” show as part of the Congressional Art Competition. Only three entrants per school in McCarthy’s 15 school districts are allowed to participate. was represented with the work of students Madison Cascio, Stefy Thomas and Devon DeSanna.

Cascio, a sophomore, entered her drawing entitled, “A Night of My Own” using Prismacolor colored pencils, a brand that creates rich colors. She was inspired by a painting she saw at the Heckscher Museum about a circus.

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“I wanted to run away to the circus when little,” Cascio said.

With this title for her project, she had the figure carrying things she would need if she were running away. She takes a drawing and painting class with Danielle Livoti.

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Stefy Thomas, a junior, created the drawing, “Rock Bottom” with pencil, pen and ink.  She is taking AP Drawing and Painting this year. Her piece is inspired by music and society.

The third contribution from New Hyde Park High School to the show was “Katja," a  close-up digital photo by Devon De Sanna.

Richard Vaux, former director of exhibitions, congratulated everyone on the show “being one of the best. Adelphi is a thriving university with a thriving art department.  We are selective in who comes here. We see 200 portfolios a year and only pick 45. It is an exceptional art program on Long Island.”

He also acknowledged the art teachers and parents who contributed to the artists’ endeavors. 

Shane Swords, a junior from Valley Stream South High School, won the grand prize of a $7,000 art scholarship to Adelphi with “Check Me Out," a unique digital collage. His work will travel to Washington, D.C. where it will remain on view in Congress for a year with grand prize winning pieces from other districts.

Alexa Pattek, a junior from H. Frank Carey High School won first place award of merit for “Blinded By Greed," a graphite drawing inspired by a class project with art teacher Gina Curiale on one of the seven deadly sins. 

The second award of merit winner was Emily DiDominica, a senior from Oceanside High School with a photo-shopped digital photo entitled “Behind Closed Doors.” She won a $5,000 scholarship.

Other $3,000 award of achievement prize winners were: Taylor Fillipi, a sophomore at , for “Hey!” and Casey Gioe, a junior at East Rockaway High School, for “Portrait of Marcelo.”

For more information, visit www.CarolynMcCarthy.house.gov or www.Adelphi.edu.

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