Deer Path Art League Showcases 'Emerging Talent' of Lake Forest Students

Deer Path Middle School seventh grader Forrest Christian found a good use for her grandmother’s old jewelry.

Christian constructed a multi-media bird sculpture on canvas using the jewelry combined with some of her own.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve been interested in art,” said Christian, who artwork is on display at the Deer Path Art Gallery inside the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest.

“I used to make artwork of flowers; now, I’m interested in birds,” she said. “I think I’ll be making these pieces for quite some time.”

Christian is one of many Lake Forest students whose work is part of the Deer Path Art League’s Young Artist Enrichment Program, Emerging Talent. Now in its fourth year, the show features the artistic skill in local students from 12 area schools including Cherokee Elementary, Everett Elementary, Sheridan Elementary, Deer Path Middle School, Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest Academy, Woodlands Academy, Lake Forest College and the North Chicago After School Program: K-8.

Last Friday’s opening night at the Deer Path Art League Gallery revealed a variety of different media adorning the walls, including pencil, pastel, paint, photography, sculpture and jewelry. Every corner held the anticipation of a new surprise.

Each year, a student from each school has the opportunity to be honored publically with an award by the mayor of Lake Forest. This year, the recipients of the Mayor’s Emerging Young Artist Award will be announced in April at the City Council meeting.

Christian’s artwork was previously honored at last month’s Deer Path Middle School APT Art Fair with a first-place selection to earn placement in the Deer Path Art Gallery exhibit.

“Every year, dedicated parent volunteers orchestrate the Deer Path Middle School APT Art Fair,” said Deer Path Middle School APT President Laurie Doherty.

Sixth grader Erin Pattie also received a first place in the APT Art Fair for her photography. Two of Pattie’s pieces are on display in the Emerging Talent exhibit; one, Three of Me, involved the splicing of three self-portraits into a panoramic panel. The other, Twilight, a portrait done of a close friend, won the “Best of Show” award in the APT Art Fair.

“I plan to pursue photography for a while,” said Pattie.

Sheridan Elementary student teacher Elizabeth Foran was pleased that the Jasper Johns-inspired artwork of her first graders was on display.

“They’ve got a phenomenal program here,” said Foran. “I’m loving this. The kids feel very proud – that’s the goal.”

Emerging Talent will be on display until April 4 in the Deer Path Art League Gallery, located on the second floor of the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road. For more information, visit http://www.deerpathartleague.org/ or call (847) 234-3743.