Visitors to IKEA in the Broadway Mall in Hicksville can often find elements of their dream home—plush couches, colorful textiles and unique décor; soon, the walls of this leading home furnishings retailer will also include photographs and artwork courtesy of Hicksville High School students.
This marks the second year that IKEA Long Island and Hicksville High School are partnering to bring the artwork of local students to the store. The artwork, created by students in photography, painting, portfolio and AP classes, will be mounted in IKEA RIBBA frames and placed on display near the mall entrance.
The grand opening ceremony on Friday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m., will feature students and teachers on hand to discuss their inspiration and techniques, and to answer questions and give insight into the assignments. Light refreshments will be served and the community is invited to attend.
“We were so impressed with the students’ work last year that we decided to partner with Hicksville High School again,” said Mike Baker, store manager of IKEA Long Island. “It’s an honor to continue partnering with the local community to feature the work of talented students under the leadership of our caring teachers.”
This collaboration was the brainchild of Craig Mateyunas, high school art teacher at the Hicksville Union Free School District. While shopping at IKEA one Saturday afternoon, he wondered how he could get his students’ artwork noticed by the many visitors in IKEA. He reached out to the store and found a very willing community partner in IKEA Long Island.
“Hicksville High School has an extensive art program, filled with talented and creative students, who are very excited about having this opportunity again to highlight their hard work and dedication,” said Mateyunas. “I am very thankful to IKEA for being so enthusiastic and supportive of our students and programs.”
“Community venues housing school-based projects, activities and opportunities are invaluable,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carl Bonuso. “We recognize the importance of having our schools continue to engage in expansive, effective partnerships with our business community and are excited and appreciative of the opportunity IKEA has given our students to display their artistic talents.”
The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 26 through April 2. The public is encouraged to visit and admire the creativity of the students during store hours, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
