Middle School Students Named Finalists in International Art Competition
Congratulations to Arielle Epstein ’23 and Tevelle Bitton ’24 for being selected as finalists in the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes ArtEffects Project. They were among the 24 finalists in the international art competition open to middle and high school students. The Grand Prize winners will be notified on May 15.
Middle School Art Teacher, Deborah Lanino, explained that the project teaches students to effect positive change through creative storytelling that celebrates unsung heroes from history. Students created inspiring art pieces to honor their legacy and tell their story in an innovative and compelling way. Epstein and Bitton both created their artwork in Lanino’s art classes.
Epstein’s portrait of Mary Bickerdyke— a hospital administrator and nurse who fought to improve conditions for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and was an advocate for veterans — is called “Keep Fighting.” When Epstein started reading about Bickerdyke, she said she was instantly inspired. Explaining that she learned from her research how important it is to help those in need, to stand up for what you believe in, and to always continue to educate yourself. Her mixed media piece includes pencil and paint. Describing the style of her work, Epstein remarked, “When creating my painting I really wanted to capture the method where when you look at the piece up close it almost looks like a mess and unfinished, but when you step back, it looks complete and detailed.” Epstein has enjoyed drawing and painting since she was very young and has taken drawing, sketching, and advanced art electives at Milken. She loves being able to express herself through her artwork. “I really enjoy creating artwork with meaning, and I value the process from start to finish,” stated Epstein. “My subject, Mary Bickerdyke, was a courageous woman who was filled with compassion for others, and it was an honor to create a piece highlighting her remarkable work.”
Bitton chose Hedy Lamarr — an American actress and inventor whose communications technology innovations led to modern day Wifi and Bluetooth — as her subject because she was fascinated with her story, describing her as a genius. Bitton’s portrait of Lamarr is titled “Genius Under Beauty.” It is made primarily with acrylic paint on a canvas board. Bitton, who is currently in Lanino’s Art 2 class, shared that she has been drawing and painting since she could walk and that her grandparents even owned an art school in Israel. Her favorite part of drawing is how much emotions and colors can be expressed through pencil and paint.” She is humble about her selection as a finalist, remarking, “Being chosen as a finalist was quite shocking to me. I couldn't believe I did it.”
Epstein and Bitton’s artwork will be on display on the morning of the Milken Innovator’s XPO (MIX) on March 29, as well as at the annual all-school Art Show held at the Upper School, May 22 - 24. An Artists’ Reception will be held on May 22 from 6:00-8:00PM.
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