The Glen Cove City Council highlights student artwork with displays around the city.
Two Glen Cove High School students—Nahla Loret Gomez and Giorgina Rose Dondero—received certificates of recognition for their performance in the Beautification Commission’s “Where Beauty Grows” art competition at the Tuesday, April 8 council meeting.
The competition, in which Gomez and Dondero placed first and second, respectively, began as a T-shirt contest. But Mayor Pam Panzenbeck said their work would reach far beyond the shirts and be put up around the city in the upcoming weeks.
“We love to promote our students,” she said.
Panzenbeck said Gomez’s piece—which pictures a butterfly resting on a flower pot—is “simply beautiful.”
“When I think of beauty, I think of flowers and butterflies,” Gomez said. Using these components as her inspiration, Gomez said she put her “best foot forward” with the piece she created.
Panzenbeck said the committee was also “deeply moved” by Dondero’s design, which shows a tree-lined street.
“It was inspired by a lot of landscapes that I saw as a kid, and I thought it represented Glen Cove’s natural beauty as a whole,” Dondero said.
Both students said they’ve been drawing for as long as they can remember.
“Ever since I was young, I always drew,” Gomez said.
“I’ve always loved art because it was a way to express myself,” Dondero said. She said she is self-taught.
The students’ art teacher, Daniel Viera, attended the council meeting alongside Gomez and Dondero.
“I’m certainly proud of my students,” he said. The first-year teacher said he knew from the first week that his students had a talent in the subject.
“We are just so appreciative, as a district, for this opportunity,” said Lawrence M. Nadel, district coordinator for the fine and performing arts department. He said he met with members of the beautification commission months ago to collaborate on ways to highlight student art and city beautification.
Panzenbeck said the competition showcases the talent in Glen Cove.
“A brand-new teacher—a first-year teacher—has two award-winning students. Congratulations,” Panzenbeck said.
“We hope you continue to serve your community and engage in projects like this,” Panzenbeck said to the students.
