Main Street News

Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s annual art show, “Blue & Gold,” is on display now through the remainder of the school year. 

The art show is in its 17th year and was previously hosted at The White Hart in Salisbury, CT, for many years. This year, the show is on display in the Kearcher-Monsell Gallery in the school’s library. 

The show features a multitude of student works in various mediums, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, mixed media, and more. The majority of the artwork is for sale, unless otherwise marked. The majority of the profits from the artwork sales go directly to the artists, while a small percentage is donated to the school’s art department. 

The opening reception for the show was held on Friday, May 17 from 4-6pm. At 5pm, the awards ceremony took place. A full list of awards winners is outlined below. The reception also included a raffle of a quilt donated by the Sharon Women’s Club, who have been a long-time sponsor of the HVRHS art program. 

Awards were presented by Tino Galluzzo, the owner of the White Gallery. 

Best in Show: Aron Ladanyi – “Blue Bond”
First Runner Up: Elinor Wolgemuth – “The Monster Within”
Second Runner Up: Yartiza Vega – “Invisible Taxes”
Mixed Media: Aron Ladanyi – “Paper Jam Session”
Photo: Charlotte Burke – “Girl”
Drawing: Sofia Brooks – “Verdant Quarters”
Painting: Lydia Fleming — “Hootie”
Sculpture: Amber Ramcharran – “Beyond the Coral”
Watercolor: Keiana Wallace – “NY Polar Library”
Self Portrait: Yaritza Vega — “Self Portrait”
Digital: Abram Kirshner – “Swarmed”

The Tino and Susan Galluzzo Award for Excellence in Art: Charlotte Burke – “From Up Above” ($250 prize)

Also this year, HVRHS has offered the Warren Prindle Art Scholarship, named after the much-beloved art teacher who is retiring at the end of this school year. Aron Landanyi was this year’s scholarship recipient and plans to attend art school. 

Prindle has aided in curating the art show for years, and his students had only glowing things to say about him. 

“Prindle is the best. I’ve never really drawn before and this was my first experience in the show. It’s cool to be a part of that and learn from Mr. Prindle,” said Tess Marks, a junior. 

This is junior Ellie Wolgemuth’s third year being involved with the art show and her second year helping with the hanging and design of the pieces. She’s also served as an art intern for the Kearcher-Monsell Gallery since her freshman year. Read our full profile on Ellie here. 

“In the second week of my freshman year, Mr. Prindle noticed my interest in art and asked if I wanted to be an intern,” she said. “In my three years of having this role, I have gained so much knowledge. I have not only grown more confident with communicating with experts in the art world, but I have also learned how to present myself in a professional way that will help me throughout college and into what comes after.” 

The artwork is on display through the end of the school year. Members of the public can call the main office at (860) 824-5123 to make an appointment to view the artwork. Visit Housatonic Valley Regional High School at 246 Warren Turnpike Road, Falls Village, CT 06031 or visit their website here.