HEBRON

Academy’s Yena Kang wins Scholastic Art’s top awards

Hebron Academy student artist Yena Kang has earned top honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2012. Kang’s original works received seven Gold Keys and one Silver Key, the top prizes bestowed by the organization.

Among the most prestigious awards for young artists since their inception in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards helped shape the careers of Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote and Robert Redford.

Of the 3,500 submissions received by the New York City Art Region, 330 earned Gold Keys. Kang will automatically be considered for a National Medal – recipients are announced in March.

Kang, a senior from Seoul, South Korea, has studied art her whole life and flourished under the guidance of art teacher Jeanine Eschenbach.

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Kang submitted 15 pieces to the New York division of the competition in December, hoping that recognition would help propel her to art school. Kang’s talents include drawing, printmaking, painting and mixed media. She received Gold Keys for works in all these areas. Kang is also the only Hebron Academy student to have her own art show at the campus’ art gallery.

In a statement, Kang said that winning Gold Keys helped validate her passion and allowed her to appreciate the depth of her own talent for the first time.

Her work is on display in the gallery in Sturtevant Home at Hebron Academy.

KENNEBUNK

Dorothy Matheson donates $10,000 to River Tree Arts

Kennebunk resident Dorothy Matheson recently donated $10,000 to the local arts group River Tree Arts.

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The donation will support River Tree’s mission of bringing music, theater and art to the community.

“Dorothy’s gift comes at a pivotal time for River Tree. We depend on the continued support of donors to operate and expand our educational programs, performances and exhibits,” Traci Gere, River Tree Arts’ executive director, said in a press release.

As a River Tree board member, Matheson is a devoted advocate for music and the arts.

She plays the piano and performed for many years, including summers at the former Seascapes restaurant in Cape Porpoise. At age 82, she still takes lessons.

“Jazz piano study challenges my mind, my memory and my ability to focus,” she said in a statement. “It helps to keep my fingers nimble and has introduced me to an entirely new style of playing.”

River Tree Arts’ annual fundraising campaign continues through May 1. For information, visit rivertreearts.org or call 967-9120.

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OGUNQUIT

Playhouse’s ‘Miss Saigon’ nominated for awards

The Ogunquit Playhouse has received several Independent Reviewers of New England Award Nominations for its 2011 production of “Miss Saigon,” including Best Musical in the “Large Theatre” category.

Jennifer Paz was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Kim, the Vietnamese woman who falls in love with an American GI. Raul Aranas received a nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Nik Walker and Austin Kim were nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.

A Best Performance by a Young Actor nomination went to Yamilah Saravong for the role of Tam.

Other nominations went to director Paul Dobie and choreographer Robert Tatad, set designer Michael Anania and musical director Ken Clifton.

The awards will be handed out April 23 at Boston Center for the Arts.


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