Smithtown High School West AP art student Michael Struzinski's talents in the style of photorealism, using graphite pencils and charcoal, has led to his artwork being selected for the second year in a row to the Heckscher Museum's Long Island's Best 2024 student exhibit.
Michael's piece was one of the 87 chosen out of 456 works from students' submissions across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, and it will be on display from March 23 - May 5.
Michael says he was inspired by one of the pieces currently exhibited in the museum, and his history teacher Jennifer Keller. "She was one of my favorite teachers. As a sophomore, after each unit she would allow us to do something creative. She would hang my work up on the board. It was a huge confidence boost. I also promised her I'd make her a portrait."
When Keller saw the portrait, her response was swift. "Wow, he is amazing!" she exclaimed.
Smithtown Central School District Director of Fine Arts, Michael Mastrangelo and High School West teacher, Lauren George, joined Michael for a photo.
