Youth Recognized at Byrne’s Assembly Art Show

Posted: May 27, 2022 in Community, Education
Pictured left to right: Mia Stever, Assemblyman Byrne, Joyce Piccone (President & Executive Director, Putnam Arts Council), Lucia Scarangella, Lylah Kievet, Erik Sigurjonsson, Carlos Passi (Executive Committee Member)

On Thursday, May 26, 2022, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne was pleased to announce the top six best in show from this year’s 94th Assembly District Art Competition at a reception hosted by the Putnam Arts Council in their gallery located in Mahopac. The contest, first initiated by Byrne and the Putnam Arts Council in 2021, offers middle school aged students from throughout the Assembly District an opportunity to share their visual and artistic creativity by showcasing their artwork in a professional setting. This year, the contestants submitted artwork inspired by the theme of nature. Eighteen students submitted artwork from over four different school districts.

 “It was wonderful to host this great event once again. The creativity presented by our young people is truly remarkable” said Byrne. “It’s important to help our youth harness their creative skills and feature their work. I am grateful to all the students who participated this year, and for the efforts made by our various local school art departments who helped promote this event and get their students more involved. I would also like to give special thanks to the Putnam Arts Council for their continued partnership in this initiative. It was an absolute pleasure.”

 “We are happy to partner with Assemblyman Byrne and his office to give us the opportunity to recognize the young emerging artists throughout the 94th Assembly District, and I hope to continue this wonderful tradition.” Joyce Piccone, Executive Director and President of Putnam Arts Council.

“I’m so glad to be back at the art show this year and to see some of my students’ artwork on display. Thanks to Assemblyman Byrne and his office for helping to put this together with the Putnam Arts Council.” – Sandra Swarm, George Fischer Middle School art teacher.

Below is a list of the top six students recognized for their artwork:

First Place “Best In Show”

Samantha Sanchez Gil

7th Grade – Henry H. Wells Middle School                              
Brewster Central School District

For:  acrylic and marker on canvas titled: Unexpected Nature

Second Place

Lucia Scarangella

8th Grade – Mahopac Middle School                                         

Mahopac Central School District
A painting titled: Skeleton Spring

Third Place

Mia Stever
Henry Wells Middle School   

Brewster Central School District                                                
Acrylic and Sharpie titled: Stony Kill Falls

Honorable Mention

Lylah Kievet

7th Grade – George Fisher Middle School                             

Carmel Central School District
Untitled

Honorable Mention

Killian P. Crosby
7th Grade – George Fisher Middle School                                                                            

Carmel Central School District
Mixed media piece titled: The Woodling

Honorable Mention

Erik Sigurjonsson

7th Grade – Mahopac Middle School/Falls Academy           
Mahopac Central School District
Oil on canvas titled: Lakeside Nature

A live-streamed video of the reception may also be viewed on Facebook.  As participants in the competition, students had their artwork on display in the Putnam Arts Council gallery from Monday May 23rd – Sunday, May 29th.  People interested in participating in a potential event for next year are encouraged to contact the Assemblyman’s District Office (845-278-2923) so he can provide the information during his transition from the office at the end of his final term.

The above information was previously distributed and made public for immediate release by the Office of Assemblyman Kevin Byrne