Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Student artworks in the spotlight at Oxford Arts Alliance

06/10/2019 12:18PM ● By J. Chambless

A colored pencil portrait by Gina Pilaitis of Oxford High School.

By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The Annual Oxford Student Show at the Oxford Arts Alliance is always a chance to catch a young talent on the rise, and this year’s show has some notable highlights.

There are always charming works by elementary-age students who – although following an assignment – manage to turn out fresh, sparkling work. It’s a tribute to their teachers who come up with projects like the sleeping figures from the Elk Ridge School, and the stylized trees from Nottingham Elementary School.

Sean Patrick, a fifth grader at Bethany Christian School, goes bold with his subject matter and use of materials in his bird portrait. Among the sculptural work, seventh grader Keira Butler’s “My Cat Tippy” is adorable, and the pink tongue is the crowning touch.

Students in the Oxford Arts Alliance’s own Art Academy get a showcase, and Allie Gibson’s pencil drawing “A Visual Interpretation of the Raven” is certainly arresting. Kristin Zunino’s acrylic painting of a sea turtle hatching is very well done.

Oxford High School is represented by some dazzlingly good work, among them drawings by Gina Pilaitis. One is a portrait in a fractured mirror, and one is a portrait of a girl with water pooling on her eyes and running off her chin. It’s extraordinary. Also, the multi-layered, stitched-together heart by Erin Poole reflects a remarkably assured artistic voice.

The show is well worth visiting, even if you don’t know any of these young artists personally. There are some very fine works on display through June 28. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].