Happy All-A-Taut-O Days!

When you think of winter at Tabor, what comes to mind? This year, Seawolf artists were asked to think of the colors, shapes, and feelings of a winter scene– one that captures the spirit and season at the School by the Sea.

Students were then invited to enter one or more designs into a juried competition to be featured on the 2022 Tabor Academy holiday card. Artwork of any medium was encouraged, including paint, animation, and ceramics. After entering their artwork, Nicole Joffe ’23 and Camryn Hartigan ’25 were selected as the winners. Their artwork will be shared around the globe with the entire Tabor community for the holidays.

Joffe’s artwork has been selected for the holiday card two years in a row. Last year her digital design of SSV Tabor Boy illuminating Sippican Harbor was printed and sent to constituents on behalf of the school. This year, Joffe animated another familiar winter scene– the hillside by Duffy Turf.

“People have always used that hill for sledding, so it was one of the top things that screamed ‘Tabor in the winter season’ for me,” says Joffe.

Before she began drawing and animating her digital design, Joffe started by taking photos of the hill from different angles. After importing the images to Procreate, she tried several brushes and settings to find the effect she wanted. Joffe also asked a few of her teachers if they had pictures of their children sledding down the hill that she could use for reference. Her creative process can be shown in the timelapse below.

While Joffe’s design will be used for the digital holiday card, Hartigan’s will be used for print publication.

“My classes in the Marine and Nautical Science Center are my favorite part of the Tabor experience, so I had no doubt that it was what I wanted to paint,” reflects Hartigan. “My next step was trying to convey the joyful spirit of the holidays. When people think of winter, they tend to think of dreariness and grey tones, but that was not the feeling I wanted to portray.”

Hartigan painted the MANS Center at sunset to brighten the mood and incorporate vibrant, warmer tones. She also decided to add wreaths and lights to give the scene a holiday feel, as seen in the image below.

Hartigan says she wasn't expecting her painting to be selected for the print version of the holiday card.

“I was in the middle of Chemistry when I received the email congratulating me, and I was quite shocked. Along with my surprise, I felt very proud of myself and honored to be representing the Tabor community through my painting,” says Hartigan.

For many years, art was just an independent hobby for Hartigan. Now, she looks forward to taking her first studio art class at Tabor in the winter trimester.

“I am beyond enthusiastic to experiment with new mediums and expand my skills with the help of Ms. Smith this winter” says Hartigan.