It was a celebration of the Visual Arts on Thursday, June 4th for the Annual Arts Alive event at Berlin Middle High School! The event, hosted by Berlin Middle High School Art Educators Mrs. Samantha Colbert and Ms. Shannon DeCelle, included the 6th-12th grade Student Art Exhibit and the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) Induction Ceremony, as well as dinner for purchase provided by Mrs. Hayes and our Student Council, and free face painting by NAHS members.
NAHS members also created several ceramic bowls for an Empty Bowls Fundraiser to benefit the BMHS building food pantry run by Mrs. Poli and the Helping Hands.
NAHS inducted 36 new members into our Berlin Chapter of the Society. “This particular group of art students did a fantastic job this year with their various community service projects – from Art Kits for the Children’s Hospital, to the Tie Dye Event with the 5th grade, I was impressed with their commitment to helping out their fellow community,” says NAHS Advisor, Mrs. Colbert.
Our Mountaineer musicians also had a part in the evening, with a Middle School Jazz Band Ensemble playing in the hallways and at the start of the art ceremony, led by Instrumental Director, Mrs. Gould. Mrs. Modesitt, Choral Director, also had students singing in the halls while guests viewed the artwork, as well as a beautiful piece sung expertly by Junior Nate Goodermote during the ceremony.
High School Art Department awards were also given out to students to celebrate successes in all areas of their involvement in the Art Studios this year – from “Master Potter” to “Art Perseverance Award,” there is a spot for every artist to shine in the program.
The Art Department would like to give special “thank yous” to Mr. David Bernsley (MSHS Principal) for opening our ceremony, Mrs. Elaine Smith (Board of Education Member) for running our fundraising table, and to Ms. Rebekah Lamphere (Board of Education Member) for being our Guest Speaker. Ms. Lamphere’s poignant speech drove home the importance of being a lifelong artist, creative and learner. We thank everyone who makes this event possible each year – especially our Mountaineer Artists! – Mrs. Colbert & Ms. DeCelle, BMHS Art Educators
Photos by Mrs. Colbert, Ms. DeCelle & BCSD Communications