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Schools

West Essex Freshman's Poster to Represent State During Youth Art Month

Local art student selected as winner of 2012 Art Educator's of New Jersey Power of Art poster contest.

Whiz Kids' Name(s): Rebecca Bucci, high school freshman

Whiz Kid's School/Church/Community Center: West Essex Regional High School, North Caldwell 

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: A national observance each March, the Art Educators of New Jersey’s Youth Art Month (YAM) emphasizes the value of K-12 art education for all children and encourages support for quality art programs in school. Each school throughout the state is invited to submit up to four pieces of art, celebrating the “Power of Art”. Only two-dimensional designs are allowed, but students can use any art tools they prefer, including pencils, markers, watercolor, acrylics and more.

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West Essex freshman Rebecca Bucci's poster was one of only eight submissions selected to represent YAM. 

One winner was chosen in each category: the YAM flag that will be flown in Washington, D.C., the state YAM poster, YAM button, YAM billboard, two YAM invitations and the newest additions, a YAM candy bar wrapper and YAM sticker. Bucci’s submission was selected as the N.J. state poster.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: 

Bucci was encouraged by her art teacher, Eileen Dormer, to design an entry for the competition. The result is Bucci’s award-winning depiction of the state bird, an Easter Goldfinch, holding a paintbrush and surrounded by brightly colored splotches of paint.

“I like to draw animals,” said Bucci, “and although I prefer using pencils, this was done in watercolors.”

Bucci said although she started drawing just for fun, she is starting to take art more seriously. “Now, I am not so sure," she said. "I am thinking about pursuing a career in art and maybe dance.”

Bucci’s poster will be on display with other award-winning submissions next month at the N.J. State YAM Reception in Trenton on March 30.

“I thought that there were so many other talented artists out there,” and the poster would not have a chance to win the contest, she said. “I have learned that anything is possible.”

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