Artwork submissions from three South High School students are among 87 pieces selected for exhibit in the highly competitive Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum, currently on display through May 5, 2024.

South High artists and their works are: Neha George, “Through the Window,” created in Advanced Placement 2-D Design class taught by Lisa Stancati; Lauren Tan, “Peas In a Pod,” created in College Art class taught by South High art teacher Megan Cashman; and Ann Yao, “Gospel Cleanses the Soul,” created in College Art class taught by South High art teacher Megan Cashman.

Additionally, Lauren’s artwork was awarded second place and the Judith Sposato Memorial Prize. “Peas in a Pod” also appears prominently on the cover of Long Island’s Best Zine, a digital and print publication produced by the Museum that features all of the exhibited artwork and artist statements.

The selected artwork for the Long Island’s Best exhibition was judged based on the combination of studio skills and the ability to compose an artist statement describing their work process from inception to resolution. The written component required students to visually analyze the source of inspiration for their artwork, decode an interpretation of the piece they were inspired by, and articulate a personal connection visually present in their own work.

Now celebrating its 28th year, Long Island’s Best is the only juried exhibition for Long Island high school students that provides the opportunity to exhibit in a museum. The show is on display at the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave. in Huntington, through May 5. A virtual exhibit is also available by visiting the Heckscher Museum website: https://www.heckscher.org/exhibitions/long-islands-best-young-artists-at-the-heckscher-museum-2024.