Each year the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) selects artwork to use on the front of its holiday card that features the talent and creativity of New York’s public school students. The artwork is selected from the student art exhibit, coordinated by the NYS Art Teachers Association at its annual convention, held in October each year. The honor this year goes to North Ridge Primary School second grader, Eleftherious (Eli) Demacopoulos. Eli’s artwork was chosen for the cover of the 2013 NYSSBA holiday card.
Eli’s picture, entitled “Starry Starry Night,” was created when he was in the first grade. His picture was on display in the Empire Room of the Rochester Convention Center in Rochester,NY. The picture was choosen out of hundreds of submissions statewide. The holiday card is distributed to education-related associations, legislators, and a select group of organizations and individuals with a relationship to NYSSBA. They are not sold for profit, and Eli’s family will be sent a supply of cards for their own use.
Eli was bubbling with excitement when the above photo was taken, eager to share his techniques and his favorite one: “The doors even open!” In the photo with Eli are his art teacher, Carolann Lally, who is holding his certificate, and from left to right: Paul R. Infante, Director of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Donald James, Superintendent of Commack Schools, and Katherine Rihm, Principal of North Ridge Primary School.