For a long time, Marblehead has been a hub for artists of all types, from painters to musicians. An example of that was on full display last week at Abbot Hall, where high-school students showcased their artistic talents at the annual MHS Art Exhibition.
For years, students in town have had opportunities to display their work, and exactly 51 years ago, the conclusion of a similar event to the exhibition took place at the high school.
Then known as the high school’s Spring Arts Festival, a spring concert was held on the final day of the festival, according to a May 23, 1973 edition of The Daily Evening Item. The festival concluded after four days, with a performance by the high school’s band, orchestra, and chorus taking place in the high school gymnasium.
The performances were led by Samuel Harris, who conducted the orchestra and band, and Katherine Wong, who directed the chorus.
“Also at 7:30, students of the film and photography course will show techniques used in film making in Room 120” the article reads.
The article also detailed a number of different exhibits on display, including home economics, art, and industrial art departments.
A performance of “Sandbox” was also done by the Thespian Society, led by MHS student Donna Demski.
The article concluded with the information that “there have also been nightly demonstrations of silk-screen, wood carrying, block printing, pottery and portrait drawing,” with students from cooking classes serving up refreshments at the festival.