Ava Resner has been drawing for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until recently that she realized art could be more than a hobby. A junior at George F. Baker High School, Ava has always been creative, but says the support of the school district and her teachers helped her flourish.
With encouragement from her art teacher, Michelle Foligno, Ava discovered a passion for both drawing and ceramics. This week, she is receiving the Humanities Award from Orange-Ulster BOCES in recognition of her artistic talent.
“I nominated Ava because of her overall skill,” Foligno . “It takes a certain kind of mind to excel in both 2D and 3D art, and Ava does both beautifully.”
Initially focused on drawing, Ava found a love for ceramics after a class project sparked her interest. “Once she started using clay, she wanted to do more and more. Now, I think she should focus on ceramics,” Foligno added.
Ava agrees that discovering ceramics changed the way she thought about art. “I had dabbled in it before, but it wasn’t until Mrs. Foligno encouraged me that I realized how much I enjoyed it,” she says. Now, she creates intricate botanical ceramics, sculpting delicate flowers and jars.
Foligno is such a fan of Ava’s work that she jokes, “I want to buy one! I think she should open an Etsy store.”
Ava’s work is inspired by nature, animals and human expressions. She prefers creating meaningful pieces that convey emotion, often listening to music as she works. “I like that I can just think and create without having to talk,” she says.
To prepare for the future, Ava is building a portfolio and plans to take Advanced Ceramics next year. She is grateful for the guidance she has received from her art teachers here in the District. “In a larger school, I might have gotten lost in the crowd,” she says. Now, she’s ready to take her talent even further.
Looking ahead, Ava is considering a career in art therapy, blending her love of art with psychology. Foligno has no doubt she will excel in the field. “She recognizes the emotion art creates.”