Niwot High art show returning December 4

Niwot High School's art show, hosted by the NHS Booster Music Performance and Art under the umbrella of the parent-run Niwot High School Boosters, Inc., is returning for its sophomore year Dec. 4-6 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. each evening. The art show is sponsored, in part, by the Boulder School of Fine Art. "Niwot High School is not only academically and athletically driven, but artistically driven," said Lydia Moy, Chairman for Niwot High School Booster Music Performance and Art, who helped to organize the show. "The purpose of the show is to advocate for students of fine arts, and to create a cohesiveness within the artistic departments across music, performance and visual arts." Moy said the show is a welcome addition to the district-wide art show held at The Boulder County Fairgrounds in spring. It satisfies the need for a second opportunity at another time of the year and when students' schedules may be less busy. Like the district show, it goes beyond representing older students, and includes work by younger artists from Burlington and Niwot elementary schools and Sunset Middle School.

Moy explained that the show opens with the opportunity for attendees to judge the artwork on the first two days. Awards include: Best in Show, Best Technical, Best Concept, People's Choice, Cougar Artist, and Rising Star. "The act of voting for their favorite artwork made the attendees much more engaged and gives them the opportunity to be part of the art department's endeavors," she said. "It allows students, parents and the whole community to be involved at a deeper level."

This year's show departs from, but also builds upon, the success of last year's show in one crucial way - high school seniors showcasing their art will be given the chance for their work to be critiqued by a panel of guest professional artists from Boulder, Denver and the surrounding area. The panel will meet with students who sign up on a first-come, first-served basis for 15 minutes. The artists will have an opportunity to describe their work and receive advice and direction from the professional artists. NHS artists interested in having their work critiqued should speak to their art teacher, Crystal Hines. The art show was created last year as a collaboration between the school's art and music departments. In addition to the art on display, musical performances highlight the event. On Dec 4, "Winter Jazz in the Rockies" will be performed in the Niwot High School commons at 7 p.m. On Dec. 5, the NHS orchestra will perform "Symphony of the Solstice" in the high school auditorium at 6 p.m., and Dec. 6 will feature a winter choir concert in the auditorium at 6 p.m.

Moy said that last year, the music and art worked well together. "Our first art show was very well received," she said. "People who attended the music concert really engaged with the artwork on display."

Students may submit their entries now through Nov. 27. Artwork should be submitted, acknowledged and received in the Niwot High School Art Room #640 and #645 by noon on Nov. 27. Artists who are not currently enrolled in Niwot High School art classes must present their pieces matted in a 2-inch, black frame and with their name, media, and school on the back of their piece. Questions about entries can be directed to: - Niwot High School: hinds_Crystal@svvsd.org - Sunset Middle School: tjornehoi_jennifer@svvsd.org - Burlington Elementary School: Cooper_Katie@svvsd.org - Niwot Elementary School: mocilac_lauren@svvsd.org