Student Painters Tackle Themes in Tosca

For the past four seasons, Opera Grand Rapids has worked with Square One Design and local artists to create original pieces of artwork to market its operas. For the past two years local illustrator and painter, Yolanda Gonzalez has created paintings that capture the spirit of each show, and tell to story of the opera.

Inspired by this unique connection between visual art and opera, East Kentwood High School’s AP Art Class embarked on a special project. After learning about the opera TOSCA, which opens the Opera Grand Rapids season on Nov. 7 & 8, the class created visual images inspired by the opera’s story.

The class’ work was then brought to the Opera Grand Rapids office where staff and board members voted on the piece they felt best captured the spirit of Puccini’s tragic tale.

The winner of the contest was junior Taryn Jaglowski. For her first place prize, Jaglowski received tickets to the opening night performance of TOSCA on Nov. 7, a cash prize of $100 and a page displaying her work in the opera program.

The work of the entire class will be on display in the Keeler lobby of DeVos Hall during the student dress rehearsal on Nov. 5 and during the performances of TOSCA on Nov. 7 & 8.