NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Emma Farley, an Albert Leonard Middle School artist and eighth-grader, was the only middle schooler of four finalists in the “Colors of Music” Student Mural Contest held by the Music Conservatory of Westchester.
The contest, which was supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, accepted numerous entries by middle school and high school students from around the county. Farley’s submission was a vibrantly colored depiction of traditional and contemporary musical styles from around the globe.
“I wanted to represent how different types of music from different cultures and different parts of the world are unique in their own way,” explained Emma. “I also wanted to show the beauty of various genres of music and illustrate what makes them stand out.”
Emma, who is passionate about the visual and performing arts, was urged to enter the contest by her art teacher, Larene Del Guercio, at the end of last school year; this was around the time her work also appeared in the district’s Arts Out Loud annual event.
“Emma’s art teacher encouraged and inspired her so much during her art class and art club last year,” said Emma’s mom, Sharon Epperson. “I am most appreciative of the support art instructors give students in and out of the classroom.”
The contest involved two rounds of judging by a panel of eight experts, including professional muralist Jonathan Villoch. The winning entry will be used as the model for a mural that will adorn the Conservatory’s building in White Plains.
Although Emma’s was not chosen as the winning entry, she impressed the judges with her talent. District Supervisor of Music and Art Marc Schneider was excited to congratulate Emma for her accomplishment, and to share that the District is “very proud of her!”
Emma, her fellow finalist and the contest’s co-winners – thanks to a tie in voting – will be honored during a block party open to all at the Conservatory on Sunday, Sept. 30. The final mural, painted by Villoch, will be unveiled then.