LBIF is pleased to host Southern Regional School District's (SRSD) Student Art Exhibition from Tuesday, March 29 until April 7, 2022.
The opening for the exhibition is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29th along with the The National Art Honors Society (NAHS) Induction Ceremony starting at 6:00pm.
For more than 40 years, National Art Honor Society programs have provided national recognition and opportunities for students who exhibit outstanding scholarship in the visual arts, and for their teachers. In this time of uncertainty and potential isolation, connecting and acknowledging outstanding visual arts students is more imperative than ever. Participation in NAHS provides students, faculty, school, and community with invaluable benefits—including peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, recognition of the SRHS art program, and so much more. Please join Faculty members, Melissa Penna, Joanne Rist, Maureen Hoffman, Megan Lister, and Jen Miller in celebrating the outstanding art and students of the Southern Regional School District.
Melissa Penna is the senior member of the department and the co-advisor of the Art Honor Society. She earned her MFA from Washington University in Seattle. She currently teaches all 4 levels of Pottery, as well as Hand Built Pottery and Art Fundamentals. Melissa also directed the STEAM Pilot Project, Peto’s Pals, which was a collaboration between the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios and the John F. Peto Museum in Island Heights, where she served on the board of directors. Each December her advanced students work with the Long Beach Island Rotary to create centerpieces and ornaments for the annual gift auction.
Joanne Rist teaches Sculpture and Art Fundamentals. She also works closely with our special needs students, helping them thrive as they create art. Prior to coming to Southern Regional she worked in the field of Graphic Design. Outside of the classroom she enjoys surfing.
Maureen Hoffman is co-advisor of the Art Honor Society and advisor of the extra-curricular Art Club. Mrs. Hoffman is a Southern Regional alumna and her art classes and teachers at Southern inspired her to pursue her current career. Mrs. Hoffman teaches all levels of Painting & Drawing. She also teaches AP Art and Design where she helps students create and submit portfolios for college credit. She participates in Ocean County Teen Arts, and in 2019 one of her students’ pieces was selected for the traveling state exhibit. Mrs. Hoffman has taught many classes at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences and is thrilled to have her students’ work displayed here!
Megan Lister teaches 8th grade Art and Painting and Drawing 1 at the high school level. She enjoys providing her students with opportunities to explore a variety of mediums and styles. Mrs. Lister runs a MS after school Art Club where students can participate in creating additional art projects. She personally enjoys drawing, photography, and jewelry making.
Jen Miller has spent 15 years teaching in the middle school setting. Her courses include 7th grade Design & Engineering as well as 8th grade Fine Art. She has found ways to engage the community in Art; for instance, in 2020 she spearheaded the Mobilizing Our Community Art Event that partnered renowned artist Kevin Reese with Southern Regional students in the creation of a giant mobile installation.