The Little Red Schoolhouse at the Harford Fair had over 1,800 pieces of children’s art work representing public and private schools as well as entries by individuals. These were attractively displayed and skillfully judged once again this year. An oil painting of Nestle, a chocolate lab, was selected as the Best of Show in grades 7-12 to receive the Joan O. Peters Award.
Brandon Freely proudly poses with Diana Lombardi, his art teacher at Mountain View. He is holding his prize-winning oil painting of his dog Nestle, for which he received the Joan O. Peters Award.
The Mary H. Karhnak Best of Show Award for an outstanding entry in grades K-6 was awarded to a watercolor painting of a scuba diving swimmer. In memory of both Joan O. Peters and Mary H. Karhnak, who dedicated years of service to the school department, these awards are given in their names. The winners of the awards respectively are Brandon Freely who recently graduated from Mountain View High School and Jack Stahl who will be entering first grade at Lathrop Street Elementary School in Montrose. Brandon’s art teacher was Diana Lombardi and Jack’s art teacher was Lori Fitzgerald.
Brandon will be a freshman at Marywood University this fall majoring in architecture. While at Mountain View, he was a member of the art club and designed and painted sets for the school musical productions of “Hair Spray,” “Annie,” and “Hello Dolly.” In addition, he was a member of student government, the yearbook staff, track, and cross country. He designed a light show set to music for a Christmas display in Clifford and painted a 24 X 18 mural for the children’s garden in Clifford which was recently completed. Each year he creates a Haunted House for Halloween and donates the money to the school’s Student Government and the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. He credits his mother, who also paints for inspiring him in the arts. His painting was a first attempt at using oils and since his painting was displayed around the school, he has been commissioned to paint other’s cats and dogs. Brandon said, “I am so thankful that Mountain View continues to offer and support art classes.”
Mrs. Lombardi has been entering the artwork of her students in the Harford Fair for many years and although many have won ribbons in their categories, this is the second year she has had students who received the Best of Show recognition. She proudly acknowledged their talents.
Art teacher Lori Fitzgerald at the Lathrop Street School in Montrose smiles as she stands with her kindergarten student who received the Mary H. Karhnak Award for his watercolor painting. The award represents the Best of Show entry for grades K-6 in the School Department at this year’s Harford Fair.
Jack was so excited about his painting being selected as the Best of Show winner for grades K-6. His art teacher, Lori Fitzgerald, explained that the lesson for the students was to make the human figure look real. She said that students Jack’s age frequently paint stick figures to represent people. All of the students painted themselves swimming and Jack captured himself scuba diving by following the tips from his teacher. She said, “What a delight it is to have Jack in class.” He also likes math and music. Outside of school, Jack likes to swim and play with his friends in the sprinkler. He also plays soccer and baseball and rides his mountain bike with his mom on the Rail Trail which extends from Montrose to New Milford.
Brandon and Jack each received ribbons and an engraved clock for their winning entries. In addition, their names will be added to each of the perpetual plagues which hang in the Schoolhouse on the fairgrounds every year during fair week.
Teachers and parents are encouraged to check the listing of different categories of items which can be submitted to the School Department at the Harford Fair. Start planning now. The listing can be found on the fair website at www.HarfordFair.com. Give your students or children an opportunity to exhibit at next year’s Harford Fair, August 21-26, 2017.
