Lew-Port students' 'Writing on the Wall' exhibit a must-see

photos and story by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 11, 2005

While acrimonies drag on among various members of the Lewiston Porter Board and the Lewiston Porter United Teachers union, student achievements continue to abound in the district at all grade levels.

The latest is a very eye-catching display by arts and design students from Lewiston Porter High School at the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara Unviersity campus. Called "Writing on the Wall," this exhibit - the fruits of a successful Empire State Partnership grant with Castellani, the New York State Council of the Arts and the Lewiston Porter School District - provides an opportunity for students to apply critical thinking and analysis processes in their everyday lives, reports Lew-Port High School photography instructor Michael Townsend.

Now in its 10th and final year, the grant offering has provided Lew-Port sophomores and juniors a forum to offer their interpretations of various social issues in both written and visual form.

"A recurring theme was developed, which revolved around the rights and responsibilities and/or abuse of power in society." Townsend explained. "This was the genesis for 'Writing on the Wall,' as well as the year-end art show at the Castellani Museum."

A look at the diverse student interpretations seen in the exhibits at this year's show offers the visitor a very interesting look on how tomorrow's leaders view our world of today. Topics ranged from the continuing U.S. involvement in Iraq by Matt Duffy; the symbol of the U.S. flag as an expression of freedom by Stephanie Carr; to the issue of gay and lesbian marriage by Kathryn Girasole; government attempts to limit violence in video games by Tynan Loughran; reactions on district budget-cutting targeting music programs and how its impact to students by Annie Lauri; the influences of today's society on young women by Lindsay VanHarrsel; its influences on family life by Joseph Murnyack; the impact of 9-11 by Rachel Francis; and many others.

These interpretations, conveyed by the students through an assortment of media, will be on display at the Castellani Museum through Monday, June 27. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Check it out. "Writing on the Wall" offers a very refreshing glimpse to the community on the many positives by our leaders of tomorrow at Lewiston Porter.