It’s 'Eco Over Ego' at Guild Hall’s Student Art Festival

The Student Art Festival returns to Guild Hall from January 20 through February 26, with the theme of “Eco vs. Ego,” inspired by guest thought leader Edwina von Gal.

The exhibition explores our symbiotic relationship with nature, asking students, schoolteachers and artists to delve into topics such as needs and survival, infrastructure and growth, anthropomorphism and symbolism, and biophilia through the practices of art, design, horticulture, and performance.

Core to the festival is the Student Art Festival In-School Artist-in-Residence program. The program has engaged 20 artists over two academic years to work within 15 participating schools to create new works, culminating in exhibitions and performances with nearly 4,000 students.

“It has been incredible to see relationships between artists, students and teachers develop over the past two to three years, and to witness the ways in which a conversation on ecology and symbiosis can transform into the creation of over 20 collaborative projects,” said Anthony Madonna, Guild Hall’s Patti Kenner Director of Learning + New Works. “From 200+ handmade paper pieces, life-sized shelters of driftwood and found materials, the formation of an ‘Echo Choir,’ and a large-scale video installation, each project is unique to students and artists, reflecting the diverse experiences communities can have within a single concept.”

“As art educators, my colleagues and I are thankful for Guild Hall’s willingness to take creative approaches to maintain a cultural relationship, bringing together a community of artists and student learning experiences, whether it is during a pandemic or a major renovation,” added Heather Evans, Unified Arts Department Chair, East Hampton UFSD.

The artists-in-residence and participating schools include Pamella Allen and Springs School; Keren Anavy and Amagansett School; Darlene Charneco and Bridgehampton School; Viv Corringham and Springs School; Andrea Cote and the Bridgehampton Childcare & Recreation Center; Lionel Cruet and the Guild Hall Teen Arts Council; Mare Dianora and Bridgehampton School; Denise Silva-Dennis and Pierson Middle-High School; Jeremy Dennis and East Hampton High School; Brianna Hernandez and East Hampton High School; Liz Joyce with Wainscott and Sagaponack Schools; Laurie Lambrecht and Westhampton Beach Elementary School; Brett Loving and Project Most; Anthony Madonna and John Marshall Elementary School; Cheryl Molnar and Shelter Island School; Jody Oberfelder and Our Fabulous Variety Show; Beau Bree Rhee and East Hampton High School; Steven Sergiovanni and the Guild Hall Teen Arts Council; Alexandra Talty and Bridgehampton School; Rosario Varela and East Hampton Middle School.

A series of related programs will be presented at Guild Hall throughout the exhibition, including:

Opening Day Celebration: Saturday, January 20, noon to 2 p.m.

Lunch Break: Fridays, January 26 and February 16, noon to 1 p.m.

Family Tours + Workshops: Saturdays, January 27 and February 17, noon to 1 p.m. (Ages 4 to 7 plus parent/guardian)

Creative Lab: Lionel Cruet: Monday, January 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Student Performance with Viv Corringham + Springs School: Saturday, February 10, 3 to 4 p.m.

Creative Lab: Liz Joyce: Monday, February 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street, East Hampton. Galleries are open Friday to Monday, noon to 5 p.m. and admission is always free. For details, visit guildhall.org/events.