MHS Art Students Honored

The art lining the front of the meeting room at Town Hall Wednesday night ranged from paintings to photography.

All the works were done by Millburn High School students who were honored by the Arts Advisory Committee. The committee handed out its scholarships—which come in the form of arts supplies—to seniors Michael Cummo and Pascal Baladi. Juniors Adrianna Kim and Maren Less were awarded honorable mention.

All of the students are part of the high school's Advanced Placement Art program, and committee members review their portfolios and pick the best among the seniors to be honored with the scholarships.

Cummo, who was an honorable mention winner as a junior, said he was blown away by the work presented by the seniors who were honored a year ago.

Three of Cummo's black-and-white photographs he shot for his senior project were on display. Each photograph is a portrait of seniors from his graduating class. The full collection will be on display Thursday night at Java's Brewin' from 6:30-9.

Cummo said he's not sure where he'll attend school yet. He was planning to attend Boston University for photojournalism, but then he was accepted to Syracuse University's Newhouse School. He's now deciding between the two schools.

Baladi said the scholarship is her first art award, and she is proud of it because she worked hard on her painting that was featured, a life-sized self-portrait.

"It's my personal feelings of when I just want to be left alone," she said. "I've been through some hard times this year."

Plus painting is the medium she felt most drawn to in the last year, she said.

Baladi will attend Syracuse to study architecture, although she'll continue painting. She said she's thought about architecture her whole life as she's visited a lot of places, including Montreal and France.

Laraine Barach, committee chairwoman, said the supplies can be a unique way for the students to be independent. Plus each student is bringing their art into the collection, and it will be on display in a show curated by the committee in October, she said.

"Your home will always be here," she said. "This is where you started your art."

Kathleen Harte, AP Art teacher, said the arts program has been lucky to have the support of the school, but the scholarship program means it is getting support from professionals.

"It gives everyone a boost of confidence," she said.