Friday, March 6, seemed like a typical opening night at Shippensburg’s SHAPE Gallery, complete with eclectic art work, live music and hors d’oeuvres. However, there was one unique similarity of all the artists whose work was shown —they were all still in high school.
While other seniors at Shippensburg Area Senior High School (SASHS) might have spent their Friday evening at the mall or movies, the elite group of students in Sarah Maclay’s Studio Art Class displayed their work for members of the community.
The class is comprised of: Kimber Deitz, Trent Eyer, Hannah Kramer, Denice Lovett, Savannah Manetta, Emily McMichael, Courtney Singley and Alex Wadel. For many of the eight students this was an opportunity they have never had before.
“It’s really fun to see what everyone thinks of your art,” Singley said. This is Singley’s first time showing multiple pieces of her work in a gallery.
It was also Lovett’s first time displaying her work. “It’s going very well. I’d say it’s very, very successful,” she said. Lovett hopes to continue her art education after high school by pursuing graphic design in college.
This year’s exhibit, titled “Rhapsody,” is part of SHAPE’s annual collaboration with SASHS AP Studio Art Class. “Rhapsody” also corresponds with art education month.
Trisha Grace, SHAPE’s president, said this group of students is the largest in the four years she has been involved in the collaboration.
“Talent usually has to stay in school at school, but this exhibit is an opportunity for the students to bring their art into the community,” Grace said.
Grace also noted that she was impressed by the talent and range of mediums the students worked in this year. For example, Wadel showcased paintings and a ceramic Eiffel Tower piece. Singley also crossed mediums in her work, including watercolor, acrylic and colored pencil.
Katie Hargrove, a junior at SASHS, who is also enrolled in classes at Shippensburg University, attended the opening exhibit to support her friends. She is also a big fan of SHAPE and is planning to take AP Studio Art next year. “SHAPE is great for the community,” Hargrove said. “I look forward to being a part of exhibits in the future.”
“Rhapsody” will be on display until March 27. The SHAPE Gallery is located at 20 W. King St., Shippensburg. For more information on the exhibit or SHAPE, visit shapeart.org or call (717) 532-2559.

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