On Friday, March 8, Shippensburg’s SHAPE art gallery debuted its newest exhibit, “Six.”

“Six” featured the artwork of six advanced placement students from Shippensburg Area Senior High School: Alexis Mowers, Kaitlin Ridley, Kristie Decker, Madaline Gardner, Samantha Willhide and Ty Fitchet.

According to SHAPE’s president Trisha Grace the students were instrumental in orchestrating and organizing the exhibit.

“We have been planning this for four to five weeks,” Grace said.

The students are all in Aric Sites’ studio art class at SASHS. Sites took over the class during the second marking period after his predecessor Becky Myers retired. Myers’ husband Forest N. Myers sponsored the event.

“I think it turned out great,” Sites said.

The opening exhibit Friday night also featured an acoustic guitar performance by SASHS student Ryan Brennan and snacks provided by the artists and their families.

Gardner, a senior at SASHS, is one of the girls whose art is currently on display at “Six.” She has nine pieces in the exhibit, including some watercolor, colored pencil and graphite.

“It was a really cool experience,” Gardner said. “I got to meet a lot of cool people.”

Gardner has been accepted to Pratt Institute in New York City and plans to pursue a career in medical illustration.

Decker, displayed her batik artwork.

“I enjoy working on artwork to free my mind and my emotions,” Decker said. Decker thanks SHAPE for the opportunity to show her work. “I think that it is a huge privilege, not every student gets to do this,” she said.

Mowers, a senior, was the only student who chose to work in the 3D emphasis. “The majority is clay throwings from the wheel and also coils,” Mowers said.

SU senior and SASHS alumna, Shayna Arnold produced out-of-this-world themed brochures and promotional materials. “The girls wanted a galaxy theme,” Arnold said, describing the out-of-this-world theme of the exhibit’s program.

“Six” will be on display until March 23.

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