Abramson’s work ‘communicates,’ say art judges in Langevin contest

By Pete Fontaine
Posted 4/14/16

When it comes to art, Christina Abramson, a senior at Toll Gate High, stands out among students from across the state.

That became evident Sunday at Warwick Mall, where Rhode Island U.S. …

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Abramson’s work ‘communicates,’ say art judges in Langevin contest

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When it comes to art, Christina Abramson, a senior at Toll Gate High, stands out among students from across the state.

That became evident Sunday at Warwick Mall, where Rhode Island U.S. Congressman James Langevin announced winners of his 16th Annual High School Art Competition.

Abramson placed third in a highly-competitive field of 70 entries that judges said they were “struck by the sheer quality of the body of work around the room and it was difficult to narrow the winners down to three artists so we added four honorable mentions.”

Judges said Abramson’s “Worth a Second Thought” illustrates “ability and creative flow, along with humor and frustration communicated to all of us in a way that made us evaluate ourselves. Amazing imagination!”

Sarah Hale Folgo, one of three judges who spoke during Sunday’s awards ceremony that drew a standing room only crowd, explained, “We judged based on skill, content and emotional response. In other words, how well skilled was the artist, did the work tell a complete story and did that story move us enough to want to talk about it and did it change us in some way by viewing it.”

Alexandrea Johnson, a nationally recognized photographer with the Survivor Series, and Anthony Tomaselli, a member of the Providence Art Club and Warwick resident whose works are on display throughout the state, were the other two judges.

“A big thank you to all those who submitted their work; it was our great pleasure to view it. Keep creating, we need your art!” Folgo concluded before assisting Langevin with the awards presentations.

Toll Gate High’s Caroline Waggoner and Pilgrim’s Claudia DeMelo were also among the 70 artists whose works of art were featured in this year’s competition.

“As far as I’m concerned,” Langevin said while adjusting his microphone, “you are all winners. Your works were outstanding and you should all be very proud of what you accomplished.”

Langevin also told a crowd of 300 onlookers that he has been hosting the annual “Artistic Discovery” for the past 16 years and that “when I started this competition I was blown away by the talent in the Second District. A lot has changed in Congress during that time, but his much remains true: we have incredibly creative students in Rhode Island. This year’s batch of participants really raises the bar, and I am proud of all of you for pursuing your passion and for putting yourself out there.”

The congressman, who was accompanied by almost his entire Rhode Island office, also noted, “Rhode Island is blessed with a vibrant art scene that not only enhances the quality of life for those who live here but is also the centerpiece of tourism. It is not just a component of culture; it’s a matter of economics. And the reason our state continues to impress in the arts is because we have a constant flow of talent, which starts in our schools.”

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