Tags Posts tagged with "Nightmare on Main Street"

Nightmare on Main Street

The spookiest month of the year signals the return of the Huntington Arts Council’s (HAC) highly popular annual student exhibition, Nightmare on Main Street, a Halloween-inspired juried art exhibit for Nassau and Suffolk County students in grades 6 to 12. The show opened on Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 12. 

This year’s juror, Holly Hunt, asked students to interpret and represent the concept of fear in their artwork.

“As a professional photographer who regularly submits to art calls and attends gallery shows, I was beyond impressed by the 224 submissions that showcased not only fresh ideas, but a true understanding, yet a broad interpretation of the theme that I presented of fear. The level of skill and sophistication I experienced as I viewed the submissions was mind-blowing,” said Hunt.

She continued, “I had my hands full as I culled through this diverse collection of artwork, not only because of the number of submissions, but I had to balance many factors in my choices; innovation, subject matter, interpretation of the theme, and more, but most importantly, originality — which I know in this day and age is an accomplishment in itself. Many pieces stopped me in my tracks, some at times eliciting an audible ‘wow!'”

Hunt ultimately chose 58 pieces to be featured at the Main Street Gallery.

Congratulations to  the following students: Alyana Abreu, Ava Beck, Ameila Bhario, Eden Bonamassa, Cassidy Conkiln, Lindsay Connolly, Carly Corcoran, Ava Coco, Emily Dahl, Clare DeSario, Maya Flam, Lily Fu, Divya Ganshani, Sarah-Kate Giarrizzo, Juliet Granz, Matthew Holcombe, Alyssa Huang, Soraya Jabir, Emma Jacob, Jada Joseph, Kashish Kochar, Samantha Koepele, Jayla Koster, Mattie Krakoff, Olivia Lanci, Abigail Laureta, Molly Lebolt, Rachel Learned, Kendra Saint Louis, Chamille Malcolm, Giselle Marquez, Isabella Mascetti, Mairead Matthews,Emily Miccio, Kaylee Neems, Sulayman Noori, Lily Orjiako, Jillian Ostrow, Samantha Peace, Alexis Rabinovich, Reece Rene, Marianna Rountos, Ava Sarrocco, Abby Schiff, Grace Schoonmaker, Keira Searson, Mickayla Sharkey, Xavier Tian, Jessica Wang, Warren Wei, Amanda Weng, Scarlett Willems, Lilly Zarmehrbakhsh, and Christina Zhong. 

The additional 110 pieces of student art work that was submitted will be featured on the HAC’s website.

“In it’s 12th year, Nightmare on Main Street represents not only one of our most popular exhibitions, but an incredibly rewarding one as well. The Halloween theme, regardless of how it is interpreted, is a familiar one to most of us. This opportunity we provide has proven to be an accessible and rewarding arts experience for students. Very often this show is a first for many young artists. Seeing their own work in a gallery setting can often be the motivation and encouragement a student needs to continue to create. As a community based organization this show is inspiring to all of us. Please continue to support and encourage our next generation of artists,” said HAC’s Executive Director, Kieran Johnson.

Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends TBD. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

'Lost Souls' by Sophia Lin

The spookiest month of the year signals the return of the Huntington Arts Council’s annual student exhibit, Nightmare on Main Street, a Halloween-inspired juried art exhibit for Nassau and Suffolk County students in grades 6 to 12. This year’s show runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15. 

‘The Hollow’ by Bennett Vitagliano

“Our Nightmare on Main Street student exhibit is now in its 11th year! This exhibit continues to be one of our most popular, both for the students and the overall community,” said HAC’s Executive Director Kieran Johnson. “The submissions spanned across Long Island with both public and private school students from 21 districts participating in the call. Congratulations to all of the students who submitted to this show.”

Guest juror Lauren LaBella, co-owner of The Gallery @ in Huntington, invited participants to broaden their artistic interpretation of the Halloween inspired exhibition by referencing the Plague Doctor during the Bubonic Plague “which became a momento mori, a symbol for one’s last earthly moments, as this was usually the last thing a person would see before meeting their death. The long beak of the mask was filled with herbs and spices that were believed to filter out the ‘bad spirit,’ protecting the wearer from those he was visiting; the long, waxy coat and hat protecting their skin and clothes underneath. A long staff was used to make contact with the bodies without having to touch them directly. … Similarly, Halloween is a once-a-year opportunity to disguise yourself or be unknown, and to celebrate the darker parts of life. In the medium of your choice, show us how you interpret these concepts.”

“Just under 200 pieces from 145 artists were submitted this year to Nightmare on Main Street,” said Sarah J. McCann, HAC’s Gallery & Operations Director. 

‘The Hidden Place’ by Gianna Purpura

“One of the highest submissions in the history of the show, the work does not disappoint. Our juror has chosen 41 pieces to be featured in the Main Street Gallery and on our website. In recognition of the dedication and enthusiasm the students have shown for this call to artists, we have decided to expand the online gallery to include a special section so that all of the artists’ work that was submitted can be shared with the community,” she said. 

Exhibiting artists include Maya Almaliah, Meggie Baxter, Lilah Black, Colby Burns, Joseline  Canales-lazo, Scout Chen, Elaine Ching, Jazmin  Corrujedo, Victoria Czoch, Sophia Dolinsky, Madeline Dombrow, Gilana Etame, Sally Feliciano, DJ Fusco, Michael Gallagher, Mary Getzoni, Emma Gutierrez, Kelly  Halversen, Alexandra Hugel, Molly Lebolt, Sophia Lin, Isabella Mascetti, Liza McPherson, Samantha  Medley, Finn Monte, Natalie Parrott, Gianna Purpura, Sivan Pyle, Elliot Rosenblatt, Zayed Sattaur, Grace Schoonmaker, Nicole Schrock, Jasmine Sedra, Jack Semelsberger, Alexa Shafy, Juliana Silva, Peyton Silvestri, Charlotte Tsekerides, Bennett Vitagliano, Warren Wei and Kerry Yeung.

“We pride ourselves in working hard to be inclusive with our call to artists and all of our programs. Our gallery is open to all and we certainly encourage you to stop in to see the exhibit and visit our website regularly to learn more about the work that we are doing for the community,” added Johnson.

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Galley, 213 Main Street, Huntington is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

From trick or treating, haunted trails, parades, festivals and pumpkin carving, there’s always so much to do on the North Shore around Halloween. Over in Huntington, the Huntington Arts Council is playing host to a spooky art show that is perfect for the season.

Celebrating its 10th year, the popular juried student exhibit Nightmare on Main Street featuring 55 works of art opens at the HAC’s Main Street Gallery on Oct. 22. 

This year’s juror, Sueey Gutierrez, invited students in grades 6 to 12 to submit work inspired by the theme of Halloween.  “Halloween is a celebration observed in many countries. For some, it is a time, or reflection for remembering loved ones that have passed. For others it is a celebration of life. Many experience Halloween mainly with candy, costumes and spooky decorations. It all depends on your cultural background. … Show us how you celebrate Halloween and what it means to you, your family or your friends,” she asked of the artists. 

All mediums were accepted, including drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

“It was challenging selecting works for this show since there were so many great entries. There was a lot of variety in the work from digital, photography, sculpture and traditional media as well as different skill sets. But the pieces that were selected for this exhibition conveyed strong emotions and how they connect to Halloween; from cultural, whimsical, and visceral imagery,” said Gutierrez.

“The point is to make the audience connect with the work, to grab their attention so that they may form their own opinions,” she added.

“Our 10th annual Nightmare on Main Street exhibition continues to inspire students throughout Long Island to interpret the meaning of Halloween and how they chose to create their artistic representation of the theme. With 89 submissions, from 19 school districts, the 55 pieces accepted for the show reflect the abundance of talent, creativity and skill in these young adults, and that is exciting to see,” said Marc Courtade, Executive Director of Huntington Arts Council.

“For many of these students, Nightmare on Main Street is their first opportunity to participate in a gallery exhibition. Huntington Arts Council is proud to be able to support young artists in the community, and encourage their creativity through our exhibition program. All are welcome to come to our Main Street Gallery and view this unique show!” said Courtade.

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington presents Nightmare On Main Street from Oct. 22 to Nov. 13. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and some weekends with limited capacity, social distancing and face coverings required at all times. Please call 631-271-8423 in advance. For more information,  visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

 

A scene from 'Poltergeist'

Featuring Exclusive Interviews With Actors Behind Iconic Horror Movie Characters  

Showcase Cinemas, a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry, is excited to bring back its popular “Halloween Horror Month” event throughout the month of October at participating theaters in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Ohio. 

Showcase Cinemas invites guests to get into the Halloween spirit with special screenings of Halloween cult classics and fan-favorite horror films. As a special add-on that can’t be found anywhere else, Showcase interviewed the actors behind some of the most iconic characters in all of horror history, including Alec Baldwin (“Beetlejuice”), Heather Langenkamp (“Nightmare on Elm Street”), Nick Castle (“Halloween”), Patrick Wilson (“The Conjuring”) and Oliver Robins (“Poltergeist”).  

Exclusive interviews will accompany the films below:  

·         Oct. 13: “Halloween” (1978) at 7:30pm 

·         Oct. 19: “Poltergeist” at 7:30pm 

·         Oct. 27: “Nightmare on Elm Street” at 7:30pm 

·         Oct. 28: “The Conjuring” at 7:30pm 

“Back by popular demand, we’re thrilled to once again kick off October with Halloween Horror Month at Showcase Cinemas, complete with exclusive interviews with the actors who played Halloween legends, which can’t be found anywhere else,” said Mark Malinowski, VP of Global Marketing for Showcase Cinemas. “There’s nothing like the experience of watching a spine-tingling classic horror film in the movie theater, as you feel the adrenaline rush of fighting the monsters together with the characters on the big screen. We invite all horror buffs to join us and celebrate the spooky season with their friends and family this October.” 

Participating theaters include Showcase Cinema de Lux locations in Dedham, Randolph, Foxboro, Blackstone Valley and Lowell in Massachusetts, along with Showcase Cinema de Lux Warwick (Quaker Lane) and Showcase Cinema de Lux Providence Place in Rhode Island. Participating theaters in New York include Showcase Cinema de Lux locations in Holtsville (Island 16), Farmingdale, Yonkers (Ridge Hill), White Plains (City Center), and College Point Multiplex Cinemas, along with Showcase Cinema de Lux Springdale in Ohio.  

With movie theaters now open at full capacity, Showcase Cinemas continues to implement health and safety protocols from the “Be Showcase Safe” program implemented last year for all Showcase Cinemas locations, including the installation of air-purifying systems for all US theaters.   

For more information on Halloween Horror Month and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.showcasecinemas.com/showcase-halloween-horror-month.  

About Showcase Cinemas 

Showcase Cinemas is a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry, operating more than 828 movie screens in the U.S., U.K., Argentina and Brazil under the Showcase, Cinema de Lux, SuperLux and UCI brands. With 22 theater locations in the United States, Showcase Cinemas delivers the finest entertainment experience, offering the best in viewing, comfort and dining.  For more information about Showcase Cinemas please visit our website at www.showcasecinemas.com.

Nocuous Best Friend, digital illustration, by Fiorella Benitez of Huntington Station

It wouldn’t be Halloween in Huntington without the Huntington Arts Council’s (HAC) annual Nightmare on Main Street show. Now in its 9th year, the juried student art exhibit is on display in the HAC’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street, Huntington and on its website (www.huntingtonarts.org) from Oct. 16 to Nov. 7.

What’s Underneath, photograph and photoshop by Ellie Smith of Greenlawn

Students in grades 6 to 12 were invited to submit art inspired by the theme of Halloween. For inspiration, juror Raquel Skellington asked, “Halloween is everybody’s favorite time of year to experience new things and get out of their comfort zones. It’s one of the greatest times for creative inspiration, the changing of the seasons, the spooky atmosphere, to bring to life some of our greatest creative endeavors. October 31 is the day where everybody can embody their favorite hero or their greatest fear. Paper and pen, paints and brushes, or costume and makeup, what method will you choose to bring your greatest creative idea to life?”

Congratulations to all of the students accepted into this show: Mia Bacchi, Fiorella Benitez, Sofia Bertolotti, Anna Bielawski, Jesse Boxenhorn, Ronald Cheng, Sofia Orellana Contreras, Paul Coppola, Giuliana Corliss, Olivia DeFeo, Sayra Fernandez, Taryn Gerlach, Calista Gipson, Shane Halleran, Meghan Hanley, Davan Howard, Corinne Lafont, Katelyn Lalehzar, Suah Lee, Liz Angela Lopez, Vincent Maio, Gianna Mancusi, Madeline Marcus, Emma Martensen, Vita Mazza, Thalia Merseburg, Delia Miles, Daniella Pedi, Marissa Reichelscheimer, Vivien Reyes, Tony Salinas, Ivette Sanchez, Natalie Schiff, Leo Schindler, Chloe Sealove, Serena Sellers, Sajjal Shah, Adriana Shields, Ellie Smith, Brooke Speicher, Aiyanna Torres, Cindy Wang, Isabella Weber, Jasmine Weston, and Elan Ben Yosef.

Caught Red Handed, digital photography and manipulation by Jesse Boxenhorn of Dix Hills

“It’s been such a joy to judge and go through these Spooktacular entries! Everyone clearly put their imagination to work and really produced some creative pieces,” said Skellington.

“It is remarkable that Nightmare on Main Street is in its 9th year and still going strong. This show is a testament to the students and teachers who support the desire and eagerness to create,” said Executive Director of Huntington Arts Council, Marc Courtade.

“We have 46 pieces in the show and the work does not disappoint! Students from across Long Island are participating with work reflecting a variety of media. The imagery is strong and both playful and haunting. We hope you will take the time to stop in and see for yourself the terrific work that these students have created. Our gallery continues to follow safety protocols, all of which are listed on our website,” he added.

The Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington will present Nightmare on Main Street through Nov. 7. Hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and some Saturdays. Social distancing and masks are required at all times. Please call 631-271-8423 to schedule your visit.

The Huntington Arts Council announced the winners of its 8th annual student exhibit, Nightmare on Main Street, at a costume party reception at its Main Street Gallery on Oct. 25. The Halloween-inspired juried art show was open to Nassau and Suffolk counties students in grades 6 to 12 and runs through Nov. 16.

Best in Show in the Junior Division was awarded to “Reaper” by Jack Ruthkowski, an eighth-grader at Finley Middle School in Huntington. Honorable mentions in the same division went to “Half of Me” by Holly Sternlicht and “Phantom” by Fiona Lawrence, both eighth-graders at Weber Middle School in Port Washington and “Lost Inside” by eighth-grader Giada LoPorto from Finley Middle School of Huntington.

“Spider-Web Bat” by Vivienne LaVertu, an 11th-grader at Huntington High School, won first place in the Senior Division. Honorable mentions were awarded to “In the Spotlight” by Julia Crapanzano, ninth grade, Walt Whitman High School; “Demon Doll Tea Party” by Jaelin Woracek, 12th grade, Valley Stream North High School; and “Sprout” by Margaret Marzigliano, 12th grade, Northport High School.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Falling leaves in hues of red, yellow and purple; hot apple cider; pumpkins in all shapes and sizes; and a brisk chill in the air are sure signs October is here.

October also means the return of the Huntington Arts Council’s annual student exhibit, Nightmare on Main Street, a Halloween-inspired juried art show for Nassau and Suffolk counties students in grades 6 to 12. The 8th annual show runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 16.

“We celebrate by turning ourselves into whatever and whoever we’d like to be on October 31st. Scary, silly, creepy or beautiful, what would you want to transform yourself into during this time of year?” was the question our juror Stephanie Buscema posed as inspiration. 

Working professionally for the past 15 years on a variety of projects, from publishing to textile design, Buscema is a painter, illustrator and designer in Huntington. Alongside work assignments, she owns a small business, Kitschy Witch Designs, creating whimsical textile prints and designing vintage inspired clothing and accessories. 

Over 110 pieces of artwork were submitted this year, an increase of 34 percent over last year. Of those entries, 48 students were selected as finalists this year including Joseph Apat, Mia Bacchi, Kaia Beatty, Nathaly Benavides, Nia Burke, Connie Choi, Shannon Cooper, Julia Crapanzano, Gilana Etame, Josie Fasolino, Alysse Fazal, Rachel Ferrara, Sophie Fyfe, Julia Giles, Eliza Harnden, Tessa Kang, Margaux Lanfant, Vivienne LaVertu, Fiona Lawrence, Hailey Lepik, Giada LoPorto, Casey Losinski, Jillian Maffei, Margaret Marzigliano, Katrina Mazaras, Vita Mazza, Alena Moreira, Isabella Muoio, Olivia Muscatelli, Allyson Phillips, Taylor Rampulla, Victoria Rodgers, Hannah Ross, Jack Ruthkowski, Andrew Sarchese, Katherine Seon, Holly Sternlicht, Mitchell Stevens, Sophie Talamas, Holly Tilton, Mark Tringali, Natalie Vela, Alexa Villanueva, Lily Walford, Cindy Wang, Addison Westerlind, Jaelin Woracek and Fuxin Zuo.

“Nightmare on Main Street is in its 8th year and continues to receive an incredible response from the student artists who enter the show,” said Executive Director of Huntington Arts Council Marc Courtade. 

“The artwork in the show highlights the diverse use of a variety of mediums including found objects, metal transfer, digital photography, charcoal, acrylic and watercolor paints and collage. We are proud to incorporate shows specifically targeting young talent and the community loves to show its support,” he said. 

The Huntington Arts Council will present Nightmare on Main Street at its Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington from Oct. 18 through Nov. 16. In celebration of the exhibit, a costume party reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

'Finis Incertus' by Chase McGill

By Melissa Arnold

An eerie chill is beginning to settle over Long Island, and with it comes the creepy sort of magic that only Halloween can bring. Whether you’re in it for the candy or the costumes, celebrating All Hallows Eve encourages young and old alike to get creative and maybe even spooky.

To celebrate the season, the Huntington Arts Council is sponsoring its 7th annual Nightmare on Main Street at the Main Street Gallery, a juried student art show showcasing some of our area’s most talented young artists.

The exhibit allows students in grades 6 through 12 to submit their favorite Halloween-themed artwork for consideration. In total, 41 artists from Nassau and Suffolk counties were chosen, and more than 85 spooky pieces in varied mediums will be on display. 

‘Complement Me’ by Anna Laimo

This year’s juror, Jessica “Ratgrrl” Valentin, is primarily a digital and collage artist. Her “heartbreaking pop” style has graced galleries throughout Long Island and New York City. Her latest project, Muñeca Arthouse, is a unique gallery space in Patchogue.

Valentin also played a part in shaping the theme for this year’s exhibit. “I love spooky, but not horror,” she said. “I blend my work with spooky themes, color, and sweetness so I can deal with the things that scare me. How do you face the things that scare you?” she asked, setting the tone for the entries.

Anna Laimo, a senior at Half Hollow Hills High School East, was overjoyed to be chosen for this year’s Nightmare on Main Street, an exhibit she said is a perfect fit for her.

“My dad is a horror novelist, and I grew up watching scary movies with him. I love everything about the horror industry,” said the 17-year-old. “I submitted a few pieces for the exhibit last year but I wasn’t chosen, so it feels great to know I’ve improved this year.”

Laimo’s submissions include “Complement Me,” an acrylic and oil painting of skeletons on a date, and “Swell,” a drawing based on another interest of hers — special effects makeup.

North Babylon High School senior Zoe Hartmann is also making her debut at the exhibit this year thanks to an art class assignment. “My teacher had all of us do a Halloween-themed piece to submit. I was really surprised and excited when I found out I was picked. This is my first juried exhibit,” said Hartmann, 17.

Her contribution, a colored pencil drawing called “Rise of the Dead,” depicts a female skeleton alone in a cemetery. Hartmann said that she was inspired by the 2017 Disney-Pixar film, “Coco,” and the idea that, eventually, the dead are forgotten.

Along with Laimo and Hartmann, the works of Olivia Belluomo, Brooke Blumberg, Sage Boiko, Grace Burkart, Giavanna Castro, Ziqian Chen, Maxwell DeFalco, Alysse Fazal, Gloria Gang, Rachel Taylor Goldsmith, Elizabeth Gordin, Jenna Hart, Morgan Hlaing, Jiayi Huo, Evelyn Johnson, Aya Karimealaoui, Evgenia Kennedy, Siyu Lei, Juliette Liberatoscioli, Angelina Lomangino, Jessica Lyle, Sara Madsen, Chase McGill, Madalyn Metzger, Frida Misko, Benjamin Pollard, Sophia Polizzi, Dylan Roca, Matthew Rubenfeld, Jessica Rush, Mehr Sharma, Martina Simone, Juliah Triana, Leia Ulrich, Anna Vig, Emily Villavicencio,  Isabelle Waldorf, Hephzibah Yoo and Ida Zuo will also be on view.”

Prizes were awarded in two categories: grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. In the junior division, Best in Show went to Frida Misko for “Spooky But Sweet” with Angelina Lomangino receiving an Honorable Mention for “Wick.” In the senior division, Sage Boiko won Best in Show for “Werewolf of Wysteria” while Honorable Mentions were awarded to Anna Laimo’s “Complement Me” and Siyu Lei’ “This Red or This One.”

“I was honored and excited to be chosen as a juror,” said Valentin. “It was surprising; the layered complexity and the technical skill of these young artists. I love the places that they took the theme. It was hard. There was lots of good work to choose from.”

“Nightmare on Main Street continues to receive an incredible response from the student artists who enter the show as well as the surrounding community,” said Huntington Arts Council Executive Director Marc Courtade. “The artwork featured in this exhibit reflects an incredible level of talent.We are always thrilled to see the work of young adults in our gallery.”

Nightmare on Main Street will be on display through Nov. 3 at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. A costume reception will be held on Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, where prizes will be awarded to select artists and for best costume. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

 

'Bones' by Rachel Goldsmith, Half Hollow Hills High School

Just in time for Halloween, the Huntington Arts Council will present its annual Nightmare on Main Street, a student art exhibit that opens Oct. 13 at the Main Street Gallery and runs through Nov. 4.

Long Island students in grades 6 to 12 were asked to submit artwork that was inspired by the story telling narrative of Halloween. Horror films, legends and comics surrounding Halloween allow people to embrace a side of themselves that is considered dark and strange.

‘Complexion’ by Jenna Hart, Harborfields High School

The exhibit was juried by Jason Stuart, whose work is mainly illustrations with india ink and brush, which he finds the perfect medium to translate his macabre ideas into reality. The owner of Poppycock Productions, which produces storybooks, Tarot cards and comic books, Stuart is currently showing at Ripe Art Gallery in Huntington.

“I found everything to be done with great spirit and effort on everyone’s part. I was looking for a combination of skill, imagination, originality and passion put into the work,” said Stuart of his selections for the exhibit.

Twenty-seven students were selected as finalists including Danielle Christian, Daniela Crimi, Julia Davi, Madeline Franz, Brandon Fuerstein, Luke Gelfman, Rachel Goldsmith, Alexandria Goodman, Olivia Greiss, Ilyssa Halbreich, Ashlin Hanley, Jenna Hart, Ben Herbert, Princeton Huang, Leilani Kaiser, Emily Kubrick, Carra Lanigan, Bryan Lee, Christopher McCartney, Meghan Monahan, Chiori Negishi, Kenya Pinos, Yusef Rahimzada, Mehr Sharma, Lily Shumsky, Katelynn Sinnott and Ashley Zhang.

Prizes are valued at $75 each and will be awarded in two categories: Senior Division (grades 9-12) and Junior Division (grades 6-8).

‘Hip Medusa’ by Madeline Franz, Stimson Middle School

“We are excited to once again present Nightmare on Main Street student art exhibit. This show is now in its 6th year and as popular as ever. The scope of talent is remarkable,” said Executive Director Marc Courtade.

In celebration of the exhibit, a costume party reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and refreshments will be served. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

All images courtesy of Huntington Arts Council

'Desolate' by Alex Cartwright, Grade 11. Image courtesy of HAC
‘Pearl’ by Alex Cartwright (grade 11). Image from HAC
‘Pearl’ by Alex Cartwright (grade 11). Image from HAC

Just in time for Halloween, the Huntington Arts Council presents a perennial favorite, Nightmare on Main Street, a student art exhibit that opens today at the Main Street Gallery and runs through Nov. 5. Now in its fifth year, students in grades 6 to 12 were asked to submit original artwork reflecting their interpretation of Halloween, “be it dark, light-hearted or just plain scary!”

“Once again the students did not disappoint. It’s exciting to see the response from such a wide age range of students with over 80 submissions. The talent of these artists is evident across the board and shown in a variety of media choices from photography to sculpture,” stated Marc Courtade, executive director of the Huntington Arts Council.

‘Medusa’ by Melissa Roy (grade 12). Image courtesy of HAC

The exhibit was juried by Caitlyn Shea, a visual artist who “loves all things scary, sinewy and dark — and has a special love for Francis Bacon paintings.” Specializing in large, fierce paintings, Shea exhibits her work in galleries across the United States. When she is not painting, Shea works as a co-producer for East End Arts JumpstART program. “It was truly a pleasure reviewing all of the artwork submitted to Nightmare on Main Street. I was incredibly impressed by the level of achievement present in each of the submissions; it actually seemed as if I was looking at college undergraduate portfolios,” commented Shea. “I expected the submissions to be creepy, but they surpassed my expectations by also being so confrontative and exploring unexpected themes like alienation and isolation. It was difficult selecting which works to include because every single entry was powerful in its own unique way!” she said.

Forty-two students were selected as finalists including Jonelle Afurong, Sarah Astegher, Shiloh Benincasa, Rachel Berkowitz, Nathalie Berrios, Summer Blitz, Julia Bretschneider, Rebekah Buon, Elena Canas, Alex Cartwright, Ben Conner, Daniela Crimi, Eliana Davidoff, Lars Drace, Christian D’Sa, Julia Dzieciaszek, Sania Farooq, Katie Giambrone, Casey Goldstein, Michael Green, Vincent Guerrero, Ilyssa Halbreich, Michaela Hammer, Katrina Hanley, Lauren Landolfi, Cameron Matassa, Kallie McCarthy, Noelle Pluschau, Bailey Rand, Natasha Rivera, Renee Rooney, Melissa Roy, Jack Ruthkowski, Olivia Sasso, Amanda Stark, Amanda Tobin, Alex Tonetti, Alexandra Valme, Erica Vazquez, Teva Yaari, Steven Yeh and Sarah Young.

To kick off the exhibit, a costume party reception will be held on Oct. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the gallery. Prizes will be awarded for Best in Show in senior and junior divisions as well as for best costume. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

The Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.