RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 2024)—Riverhead High School students once again wowed with their artwork for the East End Arts Council's annual portrait project of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, students assembled individual panels to form a portrait of the 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 participating and working together. Fellow Riverhead High School art teacher Selena Pagliarulo and I select participating students from our classes based on skills and desire to participate in a meaningful community project.”
Audre Lorde was a black lesbian committed to confronting all forms of oppression. Her work has focused on civil rights, intersectional feminism, and identity exploration. She was a New York State Poet Laureate, an inductee to the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor and the Chicago Legacy Walk, and the namesake of the Publishing Triangle's Audre Lorde Award. The students first learned about Lorde's life and legacy and then began creating their panels.
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 Michelle Vizkala Hall.
The finalized portrait was displayed in the main atrium of Riverhead High School before being presented by the East End Arts Council. The East End Arts Council is displaying the portrait, along with those of the other participating schools, to the public at the East End Arts School Gallery at 141 East Main Street in Riverhead through February 29 from 10:00am. to 3:00 p.m. Private viewings during this time can be scheduled at 631-369-2171.
On March 1, the East End Arts Council will host a reception to honor 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, visit the district's website at www.riverhead.net. Events in the area can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.
