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PHS senior and artist Pedro Ortiz

PHS senior & artist leaves lasting mark
Putnam High School senior Pedro Ortiz is leaving his artistic mark on the Putnam community.
Ortiz has been an active member of the arts community for years and it is on full display in his senior year.
He was the first student to join Elaine Turner of the Northeast Art Guild to contribute to the much talked-about Boxcar Children mural she designed on School Street adjacent to the museum.
The mural includes all 19 original book covers and Ortiz was given the honor of working on one of the first book covers.
Art is a passion for him. When asked why he connects with art, he said: “Art is a way to express my emotions and thoughts without having to say a single word. I believe that everyone should have a creative escape.” He was recently honored by the Putnam Board of Education as their November Pride of Putnam Award recipient.
In addition to showcasing his skills on the new Boxcar Children mural, Ortiz shared his original artwork Nov. 21 at Putnam High School at its Fall Arts Festival. Also he is sharing his work Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at his Senior Capstone exhibit. His exhibit will follow a gallery walk format, conveying the message that, according to Ortiz, “There’s no right way to do art. There are no mistakes.”

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