By Lydia Kirkpatrick
Staff Writer
MARPLE, Pa. – Delaware County Community College hosted its 10th annual Regional High School Art Exhibition on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The event, which began at 5 p.m., featured work from 15 local high schools: Academy Park, Avon Grove, Downingtown West, Garnet Valley, Haverford, Interboro, Marple Newtown, Penn Wood, Penncrest, Radnor, Ridley, Springfield, Strath Haven, Sun Valley, and Upper Darby. The exhibition was made possible by the college’s Communication, Arts & Humanities Division.
Students, families, friends, and educators filled the gallery to admire pieces by up-and-coming artists. During the reception, faculty awards were presented to one student from each district. Each winner received a certificate and a $100 gift card to Blick Art Materials. The awards were presented by DCCC art faculty members Matthew Sepielli, Olivia Gruver Florek, Robert Jones, and David Yox.
For many of the exhibitors, the show marked their first time displaying work in a public gallery.
“I love being in spaces surrounded by creative people,” said Victoria Roath, a senior at Springfield High School. “Immersing myself in environments like these really inspires me and encourages my artistic process.”
Annie Fenton, a senior at Haverford High School and a faculty award winner, shared a similar sentiment. Her piece explored the changing dynamics of sibling relationships.
“I love seeing everyone’s art!” Fenton said as she celebrated with friends Sachleen Mangat and Ade’ Collins, whose pieces were also featured in the show.
The exhibition featured a diverse array of media, including paintings, drawings, digital prints, photography, ceramics, metalwork, and sculpture.
Audrey Winterbottom, a senior at Downingtown West High School, showcased a standout copper wire crown. It was her first time exhibiting her work. “The opportunity is awesome,” she said.
Owen Lily, a senior at Penncrest High School and another faculty award winner, displayed a multi-layered long-exposure photograph. Lily plans to study cinematography at DCCC next year.
The show also highlighted younger talent, such as Marple Newtown High School freshman Corinne Hand. Her oil pastel drawing of an octopus, inspired by pointillism, earned a faculty award.
“I’ve never done anything like this,” Hand said, noting that she plans to take more art classes throughout high school.
Sophie Gutierrez, a junior at Springfield High School, displayed an ink drawing of her school’s interior. Drawn from life, the piece showcased a sophisticated understanding of perspective—skills she hopes to take to Temple University to pursue an animation degree.
The reception was a lively reminder of the creative energy within the local high schools and the dedication of the educators who support them. The exhibition remains open to the public until Feb. 6.
The Communitarian 
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