From March 3 to March 30, the Coffee Perch — located next to the Ravens Nest in Walpole Center — will be a showcase for pieces of art created by Walpole High School seniors. The display consists of multiple pieces from each of the ten Advance Placement Drawing and Drawing and Painting students.
In light of the success from last year’s display, WHS students were offered yet another opportunity to showcase their talent outside of school walls and around the community. Separated into two-week sections, the month-long display featured two rotating groups of artists. The first collection displays art by Ashley Waldron, Jacqui Stratton, Deirdre Bindas, Rachel Harris, Jennifer Sullivan, and Cara Cianci. The second group focuses on pieces by Estee Lewis, Hannah Miller, Jessica Owens, and Nicole Mallory.
WHS art teacher Mrs. McKee said, “At its core, [the display] is a group of works by a serious group of thoughtful and inspired artists.” Mrs. McKee chose the Coffee Perch as the setting for the display in hopes to eliminate the amateur aspect of a high school art showing. McKee said, “With a venue like this, the high school part of it becomes irrelevant.”
The Coffee Perch lined its back wall with frames of both colorful and monochromatic pieces. The students used mediums that ranged from tempera paints to charcoal to oil pastels in order to create the eye-catching works.
One of the most prominent pieces, displayed in the first group, was one by Ashley Waldron. An unconventional self-portrait, Waldron’s piece depicts herself peering out in shock from behind a wall of leaping orange and red flames.
Other featured works include charcoal, abstract-style pieces by seniors Cara Cianci and Rachel Harris. Cianci’s drawing is expressive, for she balances light and dark colors while utilizing a technique of layering of space. Harris’ piece depicts a napkin holder that has been altered to include many abstract qualities.
Additional art displays from Walpole students are located at the Walpole Public Library and Barnes and Noble. Mrs. McKee said, “There just aren’t enough opportunities to show off the artwork, and it’s sad that often it’s just tucked away in the corner of the school.” The display at the local coffee shop offers yet another opportunity for the artists to get feedback from the public on their pieces.
So far, students have received positive feedback regarding their work showcased at the popular café. Referencing the detail and talent present in the display, one satisfied customer said, “I’m impressed. I had no idea that kids made these.”
For the second year in a row, The Coffee Perch has offered Walpole residents and coffee-lovers alike a comfortable venue in which they can enjoy the artwork created by WHS seniors. Additionally, it provides these students with real-world exposure to the reactions of art enthusiasts outside of school walls — an opportunity that the Art Department hopes to continue for years to come.
