Shaela Joseph ’24 Wins Best in Show at AOY Art Center

In January, Shaela Joseph ’24 won best in show at the AOY Art Center Emerging Artists of Lower Bucks High Schools for her piece, “Self Portrait.”

Eleven George School students were selected to exhibit their work, which featured the artwork of students from neighboring high schools Council Rock North and South, Bristol Township, Neshaminy, and Pennsbury.

Shaela received a $1,000 prize for best in show, and Leeloo Boublil ’24 won third prize, receiving $250.

“I’m inspired by bright, vibrant, and rich colors,” said Shaela.“They bring a lot of life and energy to anything they appear in, not just art. As someone who is oftentimes very shy, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, and portray myself using these colors that I view very positively. This helped me see myself in a new light.”

Shaela created this piece last summer at a two-week long pre-college program hosted by Temple University. Her art teacher, Jō Adachi, encouraged her to submit her piece.She did not expect the outcome.

“When I found out I was named best in show I was really shocked. I couldn’t help but think to myself, ‘Wow! People enjoy my artwork,’” she shared. “Being a part of the exhibition was a big encouragement and really taught me to be confident in my abilities.”

“I was able to portray myself in a really beautiful way, and it felt liberating to say that this piece is a self portrait. I’d really encourage others to do the same. Creating self portraits builds confidence that we might not have known was missing.

”The George School art program taught Shaela to push herself and embrace her identity as an artist.

“I’m sad that my time at GS is coming to a close, but I’ll certainly never forget the help and growth I’ve experienced during all my time spent in the art room with Jō.”

Congratulations to all artists who were featured!