“Connected by Cause,” an art show showcasing the work of both Northport Public School students and community members, debuted at the Northport Art Association (NAA) on April 30, drawing a massive crowd made up of most of the school, supportive mentors, and families for the opening reception. Students, school staff, and family members made their way to the NAA via a community parade through the downtown area.
The art featured in the gallery exhibit, which will be on display and open to the public until May 10, allowed for students to identify an environmental cause they’re passionate about eradicating. For the Connected by Cause project, students created a custom logo/ symbol and slogan; a clay vessel and clay envelope piece that held their written poems and proclamations; and a costume/ outfit using branding and various mediums like textiles, patches, hats, masks, and other accessories. In addition, Northport school senior Valerie Glidden, who has studied film and video at the Career Tech Center in Traverse City, produced a 23 minute-long video of students reading the poems they wrote regarding their environmental cause that plays during the exhibit. The video, an important part of the show highlighting the voices of the youth involved, made for a unified body of work reflecting both their artistic talents and feelings.
Northport School seventh grader Akkdehwin Agosa’s environmental cause titled “melt the silence not the ice caps,” was one of the first art displays seen upon entering into the gallery space. Agosa said he already had in mind a vision of what he wanted his pieces to look like, bringing to the forefront the issue of melting ice caps due to climate change. His adult mentor in the project, Steve Wegienek, said working with Agosa was a great experience, adding that the process offered a unique perspective into the minds of youth in the community.
