The Hammonton Gazette 05/07/2014 Edition | Page 5

Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival is a huge success Page 4 • Wednesday, May 7, 2014 • The Hammonton Gazette ARTS, from Page 1 Conran-folks, was happy that Stockton was involved in the teen arts program again in 2014. “this [festival] originated on the main campus, so i have a personal connection to this program. You have the diversity of students coming from all over New Jersey come to this site has been an excellent outcome for Stockton. it raises the awareness of our program and our building out here, along with all the beautiful art venues out here in Hammonton,” Conran-folks said. During this year’s teen arts festival, Kramer Hall was fully utilized as area high school students were able to show their artwork to all individuals that came to the site. also, students had the opportunity to get involved in workshops and demonstrations throughout the instructional rooms. activities included a water color painting, conceptual sculpture and creative writing workshop. “there is also a yoga-esque breathing Bollywood event, so that is a first for us here [at Kramer Hall]. also, the diversity of the programing and there is a lot of extra value added in my opinion to this event because there is more than one portfolio review where students can bring their artwork and get feedback from faculty members,” Conran-folks said. Conran-folks wanted the festival to celebrate the arts and to be a part of the excitement and all its diversity. “Hopefully in the back of the students’ heads they can remember that they saw Stockton in Hammonton, and think of us as they go on to higher education,” she said. Students from high schools throughout the county had their artwork on display at Kramer Hall’s first floor room when entering the site. atlantic City High School senior student Shameeka Lowe talked about what the day offered to her. “it is really nice to see the diversity of the different art. it is overwhelming to see everything. it looks so awesome. it is the first time i had my art posted outside of the school, and it is a special moment for me,” Lowe said. Select St. Joseph and Hammonton High School students participated in the atlantic County teen arts festival as well. St. Joseph High School junior Callie Bisset was in one of the Kramer Hall rooms creating a water color painting, as she continues to be interested in making a career in the art spectrum. “this is my third year participating in this. every year has been a great experience. Our school doesn’t offer an arts program, so we go outside to take art classes. this gives us an opportunity to see a lot of different local artists, and learn more and expand our horizons. it is really great to see other students and we influence each other in different ways,” Bisset said. at the eagle theatre, different high schools auditioned their musical talents in front of judges who critiqued their work. Colby Culbertson, a sophomore from Charter tech High School, is a part of a rock group as they were getting set to perform at the site at the festival. “Basically, we were offered the opportunity to come here to get critiqued and play at different venues besides our school. We want to get criticism from others who are professionals in music. this is my first time here, but there have been students at our school that have done this before. i