Aimee Sixt, Alexis Mastrangelo and Pat Smith from Enfield Friends of the Library.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
ENFIELD — Through a partnership between Pearl Street Library and the Enfield Public Schools Visual Arts Department, recent Enfield High School graduate Alexis Mastrangelo has the opportunity to exhibit some of her artwork, a passion that she has had since her earliest days.
“Like many others, I have always loved making art,” recalled Mastrangelo. “I remember all my elementary school art classes and the things we created. My lovely mom has saved probably every single thing I’ve ever made — extending to before preschool.”
Mastrangelo’s works come from her high school art classes. The works on the walls — from her honors portfolio class — are mostly acrylic, with two relief prints and a mixed media color pencil still life. For the glass showcase, Mastrangelo chose various ceramic and sculpture pieces that she created throughout all four years of high school.
“I took many classes in high school, and I definitely would not be the artist or person I am today without them,” said Mastrangelo. “I created art I never thought I would be able to. I explored many mediums and methods that I now love. Best of all, I met so many great people in the art wing, especially all of the teachers. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to take new classes every year at EHS. I had at least one per semester out of my eight, and I loved each one.”
The works are on display at the Pearl Street Library using a new hanging system funded by the Enfield Culture and Arts Commission. To recognize Mastrangelo’s exhibit, the library hosted a reception on July 15 which Mastrangelo said went well.
“I was definitely nervous but overall just really grateful and honored to have the opportunity,” said Mastrangelo. “Everyone involved is so kind and truly helped make it such a pleasant experience, and I thank them for that.”
Her passion for art reaches many different forms and types, so much so that she has a hard time picking a favorite.
“I genuinely like all mediums. I feel like there is endless exploration amongst them,” shared Mastrangelo. “I feel like it is hard for me to pick a certain style, but I love love love Impressionism — Monet, Degas. I also like Fauvism, similar to Impressionism; I particularly enjoy expression conveyed through the brushstrokes and colors. However, what is most interesting to me is modern art. I find having discussions about it to be quite controversial, but I somehow never lose interest. I often do not understand it, but I will always appreciate it.”
Mastrangelo hopes to continue her artwork in the future. She plans to attend the University of Connecticut in the fall and pursue a dual degree in fine arts and environmental studies.
“Art is absolutely something I would love to continue as, or part of, my career. I truly do not know much, but I know I love art. I know it is not an easy or structured path, but I am willing to continue to do what I love simply because I love it and it brings me joy,” explained Mastrangelo. “I love academia almost as much as art, and I would like to keep a balance between the two in my future.”
