The artwork of Daniel Rivera, a 2023 Berlin High School graduate, has been selected by the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute as part of its invitation to their 34th year celebration and leadership event.
Rivera’s celebrated painting, Tears of Miss Justice: Mourning a Broken System, is now a permanent part of the Democracy Collection within the Art in Embassies repository in Washington, DC.
In addition to Rivera’s painting being featured by organizations such as the Del Toro Institute, American ambassadors around the globe are able to select it for display in their embassies.
Rivera, a resident of Stephentown, was awarded Best in Show for his painting, and was honored alongside Berlin Middle High School art teacher, Samantha Colbert, at the Art in Embassies Art Activations for Democracy.
It has been several weeks since Rivera took the three-day trip to Washington, with Mrs. Colbert and his mother, Melissa Lafond, where he was honored for his painting.
“I only now am really getting an understanding of what has happened after the fact,” said Rivera. “Having my mom, my aunt and uncle there, and Mrs. Colbert, one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever known, will live with me forever!”
Ms. Lafond thanked her son’s Berlin teachers, “From the bottom of my heart.”
“I could have never imagined having such an experience with my son,” she said. “I am beyond proud of him.”
During their time in Washington, he and Mrs. Colbert toured the White House, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Smithsonian African American History Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.
They also were invited to panel discussions between American ambassadors and artists on topics related to the arts and democracy and the arts and human rights. Their packed schedule led up to the ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where Rivera and Mrs. Colbert were among the honored guests.
Daniel was introduced by Alfre Woodard, an actress devoted to advancing democracy and equality, and actor and author Kal Penn, who is a former White House staff member.
“I had so much fun going on the White House tour, seeing the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and everything in between,” said Rivera. “I am grateful for being able to meet everyone who made this a reality with the National Art Education Association (NAEA).”
Among the people Rivera and Mrs. Colbert were introduced to at the ceremony and dinner, were Executive Director of the National Art Education Association, Mario Rossero; conceptual artist, Hank Willis Thomas, who was awarded the NAEA Medal of Arts 2023; and Jeffrey Lynn Koons, an artist recognized for his work focused on popular culture.
The evening was heightened by a performance from members of the U.S. Air Force Orchestra.
“It was a-once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Mrs. Colbert. “Everyone from ambassadors, representatives, directors, donors and artists were all so impressed with not only Danny’s painting, but what a personable, well-spoken young man he is.”
“We’re so proud of him, and seeing him in his element was a gift enough,” she said. “Sharing dinner with artists that I teach about in art history class was just an extra bonus!”
Rivera is now a freshman at Siena College in Loudonville, where he is taking a drawing class this semester.
Highlights from Daniel’s Trip to Washington DC