No matter the day, senior Olivia Palleschi can be found working diligently in the art studio. Palleschi’s passion for art first emerged during her elementary and middle school years when she eagerly enrolled in every art class available. “As I realized my love for art, I took all the classes I could and practiced the techniques to get better,” she reflected. Over time, this early interest in art has only deepened. For Palleschi, art serves as a peaceful escape: “I find it very relaxing when I do [art] in my free time, and I always look forward to [my art class] during the school day.”
Palleschi has taken on some of LHS’s most rigorous art courses: Studio Art, Drawing and Painting 1, Drawing and Painting 2, AP Drawing, and currently Portfolio Prep. While she has enjoyed all of her art courses, Palleschi’s favorite class is either Portfolio Prep or AP Drawing. She enjoys the independence and autonomy to create whatever she desires, accompanied with the rigor that pushes her skills. As for what currently inspires her work, Palleschi’s motivation derives from her family members. During her junior year, as part of the AP Drawing portfolio submission, she crafted a series of five pieces that emphasized her drawing skills, all of which were centered around photos of her younger cousins.
In her exploration of artistic mediums, Palleschi has found herself drawn to colored pencils. “I like how colorful I can make my pieces and that I have a lot of control over the medium,” she explained. Art teacher Tom Sena particularly noted her exceptional talent using colored pencils: “She has truly reached a higher level in her work through her continued mastery of certain materials like, for example, her colored pencil work, which is outstanding.”
Palleschi’s impact within the artistic community extends beyond her individual work. She has been a member of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) since her sophomore year and currently serves as its president. “I have been in NAHS for three years and [I enjoy] participating because it is a fun way to do a hobby that I love with other people who are also passionate about the same thing,” Palleschi added.
Sena also observed development in Palleschi’s confidence as an artist. “What I’ve noticed with Olivia throughout her time here in the LHS Art Department is her growing confidence in her artistic abilities,” he commented. Sena further highlighted Palleschi’s storytelling expertise through her pieces: “Olivia has a great ability to produce ‘narrative’ work, or artwork that tells a compelling story. She pulls the viewer in with unusual viewpoints and personal flourishes that describe what is happening in each scene she creates.”
Although she stands out as an artist, Palleschi has also made a name for herself as a varsity athlete. Whether on the lacrosse field or in the art studio, Palleschi brings the same level of dedication and passion. Her artwork has embellished the walls of LHS, and the skills and experiences she has gained through her art classes will continue to guide her as she moves forward in life. Looking ahead, Palleschi plans to keep art a part of her future. Next fall, she will be attending Vassar College, playing lacrosse and pursuing a minor in studio art.
