“Berlin Central School District took center stage at this year’s statewide event” shared Berlin Middle High School Art Educator, Ms. Shannon DeCelle, reflecting on the 36th New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Legislative Exhibit.
Ms. DeCelle, who stepped into the leadership role for this year’s Legislative Exhibit Co-Chaired the event alongside Olivia Ek.
The NYSATA Legislative Exhibit, has had Ms. DeCelle working tirelessly to prepare and curate the largest public display of student artwork in a government building in New York State.
Founded in 1990, the NYSATA Legislative Exhibit, held in the Legislative Office Building in Albany each spring, is co-sponsored by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).
On May 19th, New York State Legislators viewed and experienced the student exhibit, making connections with the aspiring artists, their educators, and families from across New York. Each student received a Certificate of Participation from NYSATA and a copy of the Legislative Student Art Exhibit brochure.
“Additionally, the district achieved the rare distinction of having two of its own students selected to represent the youth of New York State and share their personal perspectives on art during the formal presentation,” said Ms. DeCelle.
“Reflecting the event’s focal mission to center young voices, the formal program spotlighted the two featured student speakers. Mountaineers Lillian von Schilgen (NYSATA Region 6) and Brianna Ellima (Berlin Middle High School) shared firsthand insights into how school art classrooms serve as unique cultural safe spaces, providing invaluable skills in resilience and emotional representation.”
“Art isn’t just a vessel to make something beautiful, it is a way we can express our emotions, culture, and humanity. Throughout history art is the constant map of human expression. It grants us the ability to explore humanity in ways that break social norms and allows us the possibility of infinite representation. Art is what makes us human; from the beginning till the end, society will be intertwined with creating.” — Lillian von Schilgen, Student Speaker, Berlin High School (Region 6)
“To me, art is a safe space — a way to escape the struggles of reality and feel understood without having to say anything at all. In today’s world, where people face so many unbelievable challenges, art is more important than ever. Kids like me growing up in rural communities do not always have many opportunities to share our art or express ourselves to the world.” — Brianna Ellima, 7th-Grade Student Speaker, Berlin Middle School
“Congratulations to the students, staff, and art department for proudly showcasing their talent and putting a spotlight on the community,” said Berlin CSD Superintendent Ken Rizzo. “We are all very proud of their accomplishments.”
Superintendent Rizzo and Board of Education member Mrs. Kim Collen joined Ms. DeCelle, BCSD Art Department Chair and Art Educator Mrs. Samantha Colbert, and Berlin Elementary Art Educator Mrs. Michelle MacDonald at the 36th Annual NYSATA opening reception, celebrating Mountaineers Norah Smerdon (senior), Emma Duncan (senior), Lillian von Schilgen (senior), Brianna Cleyne Ellima (grade 7), Silas Smith (grade 4), and Raymond Hammersmith (grade 2) whose artworks were selected for and showcased in the exhibit.
“There was so much talent on display from across New York State, and I was very proud of our Berlin students,” said Mrs. Collen. “Great job by Shannon and all the organizers; I was glad to be included in the event.”
Ms. DeCelle’s work as co-chair and her time given volunteering to advocate for the arts in New York State is outstanding, especially for arts education in rural schools like Berlin CSD.
A distinguished panel of guest speakers also addressed attendees, including:
- The Honorable Senator José M. Serrano, Legislative Exhibit Honorary Chairperson.
- The Honorable Assembly Member Karen McMahon, Legislative Exhibit Honorary Chairperson
- Jamie L. Ciffone, Executive Vice-President, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)
- Christina Scott, Associate in Instructional Services, Arts, New York State Education Department
Congratulations, Ms. DeCelle, on a successful exhibit and reception! Mrs. Colbert and Mrs. Michelle MacDonald, Berlin CSD Art Department, shared: “Our department appreciates all you do for our Mountaineer community.”
