Mariner student artwork on display at Biggs Museum thru May 10

As part of the Biggs Museum of American Art’s Adopt-an-Artwork Program, select Mariner Middle School sixth- and seventh-grade artists have their classroom creations on display in a professional gallery setting. 

This year, students adopted two historic furniture pieces from the museum’s collection: A Tea Table made by artist Tom Burton, who was formerly enslaved on the Burton Plantation in Sussex County; and a Spice Chest, complete with secret compartments and attributed to Pennsylvania cabinetmaker Joel Baily.

Inspired by these pieces, students created miniature furniture at a 1:6 scale, carefully measuring and cutting materials to replicate the craftsmanship and design details of the original works. The project not only strengthened artistic skills, but also reinforced math concepts such as scale, proportion and precision.

Several student creations are now on display alongside the adopted artworks at the Biggs Museum. For the young artists, it is an exciting and prestigious opportunity to see their work exhibited in a professional museum setting.

“We are so proud of the dedication and craftsmanship our students have shown throughout this project,” said Mariner art teacher Rebecca Pepper. “By studying these historic pieces and re-creating them on a 1:6 scale, students gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history behind the originals. Seeing their work displayed in the museum validates their hard work and shows them that their creativity has real-world impact.”

Students whose artwork is featured in the exhibition are Josie Schmidt, Cassidy Cervantes, Rylee Blansfield, Hayley Herman, Andrew Moyer, Lesly Carrillo-Gonzalez, Francisco Argueta Nolasco, Avalynn Adams, Molly Parks and Summer Jordan-Vadakin.

Community members are encouraged to visit the exhibit, and celebrate the creativity and achievement of these talented young artists.