Fairhaven High School senior Cadence Harris received national recognition this week.
Her painting titled “Momento Mori” became accepted into the 2023 National Art Honor Society/National Junior Art Honor Society (NAHS/NJAHS) Juried Exhibition.
This exhibition showcases talented student artists from across the country who are members of the National Art Honor Society. The National Art Educators Association received a record number of 2,410 submissions across the country.
Of those, only 127 artworks were selected for inclusion in the exhibition, making Harris's accomplishment all the more impressive. Upon learning about the national achievement, Harris said, “It’s exciting. I’m happy to represent Fairhaven.”
Representatives from art institutions such as the Burren College of Art, California College of the Arts, and the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design served as jurors for the exhibition.
About the Painting
Harris's painting, "Momento Mori," explores the theme of mortality in a haunting and thought-provoking piece. The Momento Mori has roots in the Roman Empire and reminds artists of the inevitability of death, serving as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
“It’s an unconventional self-portrait,” Harris adds.”It's made up of the objects that make me who I am today, but we all die eventually.“
The painting began early in 2020 during Fairhaven High School's Mr. Jim Cousens' AP® 2D Art and Design course. However, as the COVID 19 pandemic raged on, she remotely made progress while at home. Then Harris continued the work in her Portfolio Development class with Mr. Jim Cousens.
Cousens wasn’t surprised when learning about his student’s latest achievement and added, “She’s an extremely dedicated young artist. She is one of the best artists I’ve ever had. She is that caliber student that you recognize right away.”
Harris credits her love for art while taking Art 1 in the 9th grade at Fairhaven High School. Four years and many art courses later, Harris, now leads the Fairhaven National Art Honor Society as the chapter’s president.
Jamie Lynch, Fairhaven High School art teacher, and National Art Honor Society Advisor, added, “Not only is Cadence a talented artist, but she also appreciates the art of others. As president of the NAHS, she takes our mission seriously, volunteering her time at many events sharing her work and the work of others, and working with our community youth to create art of their own.”
While undecided, Harris plans on studying engineering or some art-related field after high school.
The National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition
The National Art Education Association plans to show all 127 selected pieces during a virtual event on Monday, January 23, 2023. Public members can view the National Art Honors Society's Juried Exhibition virutally at https://www.arteducators.org/opportunities/naea-studio-gallery-exhibitions/current-exhibitions.
About Fairhaven High School’s National Art Honor Society
The Fairhaven High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society seeks to promote excellence and appreciation of the visual and performing arts through the refinement of artistic skill, community service outreach, and public exhibition.