NDA had its annual Cabaret Night on March 27. Cabaret Night isn’t just a celebration of music and performance, but also an opportunity to show the artistic talent of the students.
The juried art show recognized the creativity and hard work of many students who are in classes as well as those who aren’t.
Ngoclam Nguyen, junior, won first-place in the art show and was very happy by the recognition.
“I’ve always loved Cabaret Night, so placing in the juried show makes me beyond happy,” she said.
Her piece was a small sculpture surrounded by interactive paintings and an animation displayed on a Chromebook which was inspired by the exhaustion from school she felt before her junior year.
“I wanted a way to express what I felt,” she explained. Art has always been a passion for Nguyen, and although she would love to pursue it as a future career, she feels that it might be unrealistic and wants to explore other possibilities.
Junior Julia Mayer, the second-place winner, literally created a dress titled “The Atmosphere,” inspired by the sky and weather elements in nature. “I like to work with nature, and I wanted the design to reflect that,” she said.
Mayer, who is considering a career in graphic or fashion design, was grateful for the recognition. “I enjoy sharing my work with others and seeing their reactions,” she said.
Hank Powell, junior, took third place. He wanted his art piece to bring attention to the beauty of wood which is often overlooked.
“I wanted to highlight the unique qualities of the material and craft, something both practical and elegant,” he explained. Powell doesn’t plan to pursue art as a career, but he enjoys it as a hobby.
Art teacher Tina Harpold, who announced the winners of the juried art show during the final hour of Cabaret Night, said, “It’s so rewarding to see students recognized for their hard work.”
She also explained that the judges provided useful feedback, helping students grow as artists. Harpold added that Cabaret Night gives students a chance to experience their work in front of a real, appreciative audience, a feeling that’s truly rewarding.
Judging the art show were Erin LaBonte, Danica Oudeans and Tyler Gajewski.
LaBonte, explained Harpold, is a nationally and internationally exhibiting artist with specialties in murals and public art. She is the co-founder of Yonder Art Space in Algoma.
Oudeans is an award-winning artist, teacher and lecturer at UW-GB and the owner of Danica Oudeans Art Studio.
Gajewski is an Emmy-award winning senior cinematographer and video creator with the Green Bay Packers.
