On Wednesday, May 6, the National Art Honor Society hosted alumnus Adrienne Stein as a guest speaker in the auditorium. Since her graduation in 2004, Stein has become a seasoned artist, now living and working in Wrightsville, PA.
Stein’s speech began with a nostalgic story recalling the inspiration and experience she gained as a child. At 11 years old, Stein exhibited talent far surpassing that of a typical adolescent, so her parents decided to find a mentor for her so she could pursue art more rigorously.
During the summer of her junior year at York Suburban High School, Stein visited Italy and worked fervently on her drawings and paintings. Inspired greatly by both the natural and mythical, she created both impressionistic and realistic paintings to capture those worlds and evoke the same awe that they conveyed in her.
Throughout her career thus far, Stein has visited numerous places in Europe and Asia including France and China, and has spent varying periods of time in locations across the country. Each of Stein’s influences is cleverly displayed in her works, such as her paintings of California’s coast that capture its golden light quality.
Stein currently supports herself on portrait commissions, but also devotes a large quantity of her time to her own projects. Her largest project, a mural of Jesus, hangs at the front of the sanctuary at York Alliance Church.
After Stein’s presentation, she joined students in art teacher Karen Fornadel’s room for refreshments and questions. Art students were very impressed and inspired by the life she created for herself.
“Personally, I was inspired by Adrienne Stein. She has accomplished so much and became a very successful artist which is something I can only dream of attaining. It helped me decide that I want to try to make a living by doing art, and even if I’m not as successful as Adrienne Stein, I can always say that she inspired me to try,” said junior Nichole Kleynen.
Junior Gabe Fryar said “it was a great experience to listen and meet Adrienne Stein. She brought a unique perspective to her artwork. It was very interesting that she came from our high school. I was privileged to watch her presentation and hope to enjoy my future career as much as she does.”
Art students enjoy some personal time with YS alumnus Adrienne Stein. submitted by Erica Furjanic