Art Students’ Work Graces Bridge for Second Annual MOMA

Charcoal portraits were one of the semester’s key projects. *Photo: Aleksa Katsiashvili*

By ALEKSA KATSIASHVILI

Feeling artistic? Midwood’s MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) returned for a second year on November 30 within the annex bridge. Young artists' work was lined up for viewing, as relatives, friends, peers, and teachers passed by the gallery.

The doors opened at 4:30 p.m. as students rolled in with their friends and family. Artwork from the Drawing I classes as well as the Graphic Design class hung high for guests to see.

Xin Qi Chen ‘25 is one of the artists who had their work displayed during the eventful night. Chen said, “It was really nice to have my art put up for Midwood students to look at.” The artists worked diligently to complete charcoal portraits, still-life drawings, and some detailed scenic paintings for the show.

The event’s organizer and art teacher, Mrs. Lauren Rocco, encouraged her students to invite as many people as they could. The exhibition had a strong turnout, with the entire annex bridge filled with observers. The VPT (Video Production Team) also made a special appearance to capture memories of the night.

A member of the VPT, Abigail Khazan ‘25, said that the team was there to “capture the event and some of its highlights for Midwood students and staff who didn’t get to attend or for anyone who wants to see it again.” Khazan said that the highlight reel for the event will come soon to Midwood’s official YouTube channel.

Many different art media were used, as the Graphic Design students created digital pieces, and the Drawing I students used charcoal, pencils, and paint to complete three projects within the term. The recently completed acrylic landscape paintings, though limited, were one of the major highlights of the show.

The atmosphere was busy, as people held long conversations, walked around the gallery, and admired the efforts of the students whose work made it up onto the glass.

Mrs. Rocco was ecstatic to be organizing such a big night. She had papers and signs up everywhere around the school and even had a countdown for the big night. “It’s really exciting for me to see students who can get excited about their work and view it in a more professional light,” she said.

Of course, the show couldn’t go on forever, and the doors closed at 6:30 p.m. The pieces continued to hang until the next day so peers or teachers who couldn’t make it the night before could still appreciate the efforts of all the drawing and graphic design students.