BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A former Demarest Elementary School student now attending the Purnell School, in Pottersville, will have a work of art shown at the Child Mind Institute, 445 Park Ave., NYC.
Nia Lewis, a high school senior, painted “Atlas” as an assignment. Along with the works of several other Purnell students, it will be displayed in an exhibit with the overall theme of “Finding One’s Inner Warrior.” Her painting is acrylic and measures 20 inches by 16 inches.
According to Donna Andeskie, dean of students and arts department chairwoman at the Purnell School, the assignment was an exercise in self-expression. A variety of media could be used.
“Each girl was asked to explore what it means to find her inner strength, passion and conviction,” Andeskie said. “The results are as varied as the individuals themselves.”
Nia’s painting is of a woman of color holding up the world while bending over backward.
In a telephone interview, she explained that she has seen people doing backbends and thinks they look beautiful.
“Some of my friends are really flexible and tried to help me do it, but I just can’t,” she said. “It’s beautiful to do and hold for a long time.”
Nia said that women of color go through so much but remain powerful.
“I wanted people to see that when they looked at my art,” she said.
Although exhibiting in NYC, Nia does not make much art work outside of class although she loves doing it when she has the opportunity.
“My schedule is too busy,” she said. “Since I can’t do it that often, when it comes out, it’s special.”
Nia plays soccer and basketball at school and plans to study veterinary medicine in college. She lives in Bloomfield.
Anyone interested in viewing the exhibit, “Finding One’s Inner Warrior,” should contact Spencer Summa, at Spencer.Summa@childmind.org. An appointment is necessary. The exhibit runs until the end of February.
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