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Friends and family gather to support teen artists in the annual High School Art Show exhibit that opened at the Rockwell Museum on Saturday.

High School Art Show Displays Local Talent, Optimism

By Nichole DupontiBerkshires Staff
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'My Blue Tutu' by Victoria Cardillo
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Pablo Picasso believed in the young artist. "Every child is an artist," he once said. "The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

Daphne Gunter, a junior at St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield, has taken the master's words to heart. She, along with more than 100 students from 12 area schools, is exhibiting her work at the 25th annual High School Art Show that opened at the Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday.

"I'm not happy with it," Gunter said of her painting, a bright acrylic work called simply "Petite House." "It's not dark enough."

Indeed, the pink Dr. Seussesque house is not threatening to its many observers. The power of this painting lies in the talent of it creator, who is just setting out on the artist's path.

 "As generic as it sounds, I do like Picasso the most," Gunter said. "He had such a way of expressing what he saw. In his case, it is creation for the sake of the creator. He really didn't care what other people thought of his work.

"I've been an artist for three years and I'm looking around this room and it's a little intimidating. It makes me want to figure out where I can better myself as an artist."

There was no telling who was the better artist at this show. The exhibit showcased a range of mediums including acrylic, clay, ink, pencil, tissue paper and photography, to name a few. Satirical political cartoons shared the same wall with abstract mixed media and photography triptychs. Melinda Georgeson, the museum's director of education, said this year's show highlights not only the many talents of local students but also their uninhibited use of color.

"Right after 9/11 all of the works were very dark," she said. "Even two and three years after, the pieces for the show were heavy. Now, if you look at all the color, it shows a real optimism. It just goes to show that kids are always affected by the world around them."


'Petite House' by Daphne Gunter
Caroline Vitek, a sophomore at Mount Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, said her inspiration came from the process itself and from simple shapes and scraps of "this and that."

"This is the first year I've ever been in an art class," she said. "I really like it, but it feels weird to have my work in an exhibit."

Caroline's father, Bill Vitek, said art has been an amazing experience for his daughter, who is autistic.

"This has opened a lot of doors for her," he said. "She comes home with some really cool stuff from her art class. It's just amazing what these kids can do."

The art show runs from now until March 6.
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Central Berkshire Picks Insider Henault for Next Superintendent

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Michael Henault is interviewed by the School Committee on Wednesday. 
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee didn't go far to find its next superintendent. 
 
The committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to offer the post to Michael Henault, who has been the district's assistant superintendent for three years. 
 
"He is an incredible candidate. It doesn't matter for what district, and I think he is ready, and certainly chomping at the bit to take on the next challenge," said Charlotte Crane, committee member. 
 
"I suspect that we wouldn't be able to hold on again for too much longer in the assistant superintendent position." 
 
The vote came at the end of a four-hour meeting during which Henault and two other finalists — John Franzoni, superintendent of the Northern Berkshire School Union, and Matthew Bishop, interim deputy superintendent for the Pittsfield Public Schools — were interviewed. 
 
The 13 of the 15 committee members representing the seven towns in the district agreed that it was a difficult decision because of the quality of the candidates. 
 
"I'm extremely torn right now," said Ellen Lattizzori of Dalton. 
 
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