4 Middle School students earn art honors

Four Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School students were honored for their artwork by a state organization.

A.J. Vartabedian ’30, Tanner Cavanaugh ’30, Maribel Rodriguez ’30 and Callan McMahon ’30 received certificates based on their posters that were submitted to the Massachusetts Art Education Association Artistic Excellence Contest.

The pieces were created for Ms. Theresa Chianese’s “Non-Traditional Self-Portrait Project” as part of Grade 8 Art class.

“It is very exciting to have the opportunity to submit our students' work and have it recognized among work from schools throughout Massachusetts,” Ms. Chianese said. 

A.J.’s poster, titled “Me,” included multiple photos that showed what’s important in his life.

“Places I find predominant in my life can be seen, (such) as a blue silhouette of Delaware and the Armenian flag, both hung up on the right side of my drawn exhibit,” A.J. explained. “There are also pictures of drums and piano keys to show my passion in music and instruments. The last two images are of ‘Hamilton,’ the musical and a cheeseburger. Hamilton is my favorite musical, and all the songs are incredible, while cheeseburgers … they're just cheeseburgers.”

Meanwhile, regarding “Tanner’s World,” Tanner drew what was important to him, “such as sports, food, anime and superheroes, which are all on the poster and more. I am very happy to have gotten this certificate for my art. 

“And, I think it is super cool that four students were able to get it at our school from the MAEA.”