Artist Spotlight: Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
1st Place Winner, Maplewood 2020 Photo Contest
On display starting Monday, December 14, 2020 at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center, Located at 1978 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood
Tessa Elle Goldstein received 1st place in the Maplewood 2020 Photo Contest with her entry titled, ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine.” This fun, joyful shot of three friends giggling together on the grass in the fall sunlight received 503 votes out of 3,100 votes in all, with submissions from both amateur and professional photographers. Tessa is 11 years old and one of Maplewood’s newest photography enthusiasts.
“I wanted to showcase friends, and when I saw them laughing I thought — how great it would be to capture that because of the hard times we are all going through. And when you laugh it helps the soul and makes you feel happy again… reminding all of us about the good there is, especially in our community.”
—Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘The Stoop’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
Tessa Elle Goldstein was born on December 15, 2008. Tessa moved form South Orange to Maplewood when she was one years old. Tessa attended South Orange Country Day School then moved on to Clinton Elementary, and currently she is enjoying her first year at South Orange Middle School.
As a little girl, Tessa was always passionate about the world around her and its hidden treasures. Tessa often collected trinkets and found objects when playing outside in the community, like a broken bracelet charm shining in the sun left behind in the park. She would place them in a secret box and come up with stories about each object.
A year go Tessa's mom pulled out her point and click camera from several years back. Tessa, immediately drawn to the camera, asked if she could use it. Soon enough Tessa's keen eye came back into play and a passion was born. She took photography classes at the South Orange - Maplewood Adult School and invited friends to the yard to model. She loves setting the scenes that play out in her mind and capturing them - one click at a time. She can't wait to be able to take more pictures in the future and see other parts of the world!
Mayor Frank McGehee congratulated Tessa on her first place win at the December 1, 2020 Virtual Township Committee Meeting saying, “‘Laughter is the Best Medicine,’ I couldn’t think of a better quote… or picture to celebrate life and love and everything we have been going through this year...” To see the video of Mayor Frank’s congratulations, click on the link button at bottom of story.
“I made a lot of great friends and the people in the community seem friendly and kind. It seems like we come together to support one another.”
‘Friendly Neighbors’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
Tessa, upon finding out that she won the Photo Contest: “I am so happy and excited. I am also a bit shocked because I was up against experienced and professional photographers. I was surprised to find out that I was even in the top twelve. This contest definitely boosted my confidence as a photographer and made me believe that maybe I can do this when I grow up!”
Tessa Elle Goldstein
“I would love to pursue the dream of a professional photographer and see where it takes me. I also wonder what cameras and technology will be like in the future.”
A Study of Flowers:
‘Shining Flower’ by Tessa Ella Goldstein
“When the moment feels right get your finger ready and don’t hesitate to click the button.”
‘Among the Flowers’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘Popping Up Daisies’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
“I try to find things that are not just interesting to me but would interest other people as well, I also try to find different and unique perspectives and angles.”
Different and Unique Persepectives:
‘Lemon Fresh’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘Neighbor Yarn Art’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘The Eye of the Slinky’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
‘A Kid’s View’ by Tessa Elle Goldstein
The Maplewood 2020 Photo Contest was made possible through partnerships with The Maplewood Village Alliance and The Springfield Avenue Partnership, as well as through the generous support of local businesses. Photos of the winners and finalists will be on exhibit in the windows of 1978 Arts Center located at 1978 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood starting Monday, December 12, 2020.
The mission of the Division of Arts & Culture, under the Community Services Department, is to foster a creative community of artists and organizations, enhancing the quality of life for residents of Maplewood by ensuring that art and cultural experiences are inclusive and accessible to all.