WHITMAN — Superintendent Jeffrey Szymaniak and Whitman-Hanson Regional High School art instructor Christina Maher are pleased to announce that four WHRHS art students have been selected for the 2022 Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artists High School Recognitions Exhibit.
WHRHS students Connor Gouthro, Kay Pierce, Morgan Astuto and Mika Horton were all juried into the exhibit, as part of the Massachusetts Art Educators Association (MAEA) recognition awards this month. They were selected to be among the 100 students chosen for the exhibit from all student entries nominated by art educators across schools in Massachusetts.
Of note, Gouthro was selected to receive a cash prize for earning the Art Educators Award as part of the exhibit.
The students’ artwork includes the following:
![](https://imagedelivery.net/Y8_7K1-lbfv2_Boh-DDyAg/jgpr.net/2022/03/Whitman-Hanson-Connor-Gouthro-Looking-Back.jpg/w=9999)
Connor Gouthro, grade 12. Work titled, “Looking Back”
“Looking Back is a pointillism self-portrait, created to try and build a connection between myself and the viewer by looking directly back at them, as well as reflect back on how I view myself,” Gouthro said. “The primary materials used are a black ink pen and a lot of patience.”
![](https://imagedelivery.net/Y8_7K1-lbfv2_Boh-DDyAg/jgpr.net/2022/03/Whitman-Hanson-Kay-Pierce-Behind-the-Eyes.jpg/w=9999)
Kay Pierce, grade 11. Work titled “Behind the Eyes”
The idea of this piece came from searching for the best representation of expression of yourself.
“As an artist who has been working with multiple different art types, projecting my own style is necessary,” Pierce said. “It also piques others’ interest in me as an artist. People are drawn to bright colors and use of good self expression, which helps other people learn how to be more comfortable in themselves.”
![](https://imagedelivery.net/Y8_7K1-lbfv2_Boh-DDyAg/jgpr.net/2022/03/Whitman-Hanson-Sisters-Morgan-Astuto.jpg/w=9999)
Morgan Astuto, grade 10. Work titled “Sisters”
“This artwork was an inmost moment caught on camera by a relative that pictures my sister, Brooke, and I. It displays the exceptional, and memorable bond between sisters,” Astuto said. “In the piece, my sister is helping me apply lip gloss. My sister has been responsive towards me since I was born; this artwork is dedicated to appreciating her support and fondness for me through my hardest and most joyful times.”
![](https://imagedelivery.net/Y8_7K1-lbfv2_Boh-DDyAg/jgpr.net/2022/03/Whitman-Hanson-Mikayla-Horton-Hide-Your-Face.jpg/w=9999)
Mikayla Horton, grade 12. Work titled “Hide Your Face”
“We all have insecurities and this drawing is a reflection of mine,” Horton said. “By covering my face, I am covering my insecurities.”
The digital exhibit can be viewed by clicking here.
“These four students showed not only true artistic talent but an ability to express themselves thoughtfully and honestly through their work, and we are all very proud of their recognition into this special exhibit,” Maher said.
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