Fine Arts News
New ceramics projects inspire artists
The goal of professional development is to inspire teachers to bring new ideas to the classroom. That is exactly what happened when US art teacher Maggie Towne received a Fortnight Grant* allowing her to attend a Colorado workshop with ceramic sculptor Arthur Gonzalez. Ms. Towne says that she was inspired both personally and professionally by the experience. As a result, she has introduced two new projects to her ceramics classes this year. She is also proud to announce that two of the sculptures created by her students have been recognized in the 2012 Scholastic Art Awards.
For the Open Book project, students created a book that included sculptural or relief elements. According to Ms. Towne, some students drew their inspiration from a literary source while others used personal symbols in their work.
The second project was a figurative head sculpture. Students prepared by exploring different sculpting techniques and studying facial structure and anatomy. Once again, students used the outline of the project to create a very diverse set of pieces.
Senior Colson Steier has spent a lot of time in the studio working on his pieces. Colson says that he has learned to respond when his work goes in an unexpected direction. “Sometimes you see something that makes your ideas evolve, and you change direction,” he explains. Senior Kelli Huneke has created two head sculptures so far and has enjoyed the challenge of capturing the human face in clay. “Art is an outlet for me,” she says. “It lets me relax and be calm when I’m stressed out.”
Ms. Towne submitted a number of her students’ pieces to the Scholastic Art competition. Colson Steier’s book sculpture “Walrus Canoe” was recognized with a Silver Key Award, and Brooke Huneke’s head sculpture “A Man’s Values” earned an Honorable Mention. Both pieces will be exhibited at Gheens Academy from February 7 to March 1.
*Fortnight grants are made possible by an anonymous donor. These grants cover program fees and travel expenses for teachers seeking professional development experiences in the US or abroad.
Arts Guild purchases alumnus’ paintings for Arts Center
Thanks to the Fine Arts Guild, KCD has acquired a pair of paintings by Martin Benson ‘05, who is now working as an artist in New Orleans. The works are an untitled pair of abstract, mixed media paintings that will be hung in the new Fine Arts Center.The paintings were delivered in December, and we plan to have Martin back this spring to unveil the work and speak about his experiences as an artist after graduating.
Arts Guild is making a difference at KCD
Over the years, the Fine Arts Guild has had a significant impact on arts programs at KCD. From upgrading equipment and instruments to sponsoring arts-related field trips, the Guild has greatly enhanced our students’ learning experience. Thanks to strong support from the KCD community, the Guild has been able to continue to enhance the arts at KCD. Among other initiatives, so far this year the Guild has
- sponsored the renovation of the display case in the arts wing, making it safer and easier to operate;
- purchased stands for lower school xylophones, making them easier to move and allowing students to play standing up during performances;
- donated the trophies awarded at the first-ever speech tournament hosted by our award-winning speech team;
- purchased 38 additional violins for the fourth and fifth grade strings program;
- sponsored the annual visit of third graders to the Louisville Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker;
- sponsored guest artists from the Wayward Actors’ Company to participate in Ms. Wheeler's new puppet elective.
In addition, the Guild also has exciting plans for the future. According to President John Gallagher, the Arts Guild is
- currently evaluating artist in residence programs for all three divisions;
- working on obtaining artwork and seating for the theater lobby;
- planning a special reception to thank donors, introduce the members of the Arts Guild Board, and to provide more information about the Guild.
Thanks to the Arts Guild and its many supporters for the great things they are doing at KCD!
Arts Guild purchases alumnus’ paintings for Arts Center
Thanks to the Fine Arts Guild, KCD has acquired a pair of paintings by Martin Benson ‘05, who is now working as an artist in New Orleans. The works, titled Diptych, are a pair of abstract, mixed media paintings that will be hung in the new Fine Arts Center. The paintings were delivered in December, and we plan to have Martin back this spring to unveil the work and speak about his experiences as an artist after graduating.
Choral Theatre Players present The Snow Queen
Yesterday, third and fourth graders in the Choral Theatre Players presented their performance of The Snow Queen to an appreciative lower school audience. The group will perform for parents this evening in the theater.
Choir students represent KCD at All-State Chorus Festival
Under the direction of Karen Welsh, six choir students proudly represented KCD at the Kentucky American Choral Directors Association (KYACDA) All-State Chorus Festival over November 4‒5 in Lexington. Jake Latts, Alexis Ledford, and Ashley White performed with the Children’s Choir. Catherine Bache, Julia Bache, and McKenzie Tatum-Johns performed with the Junior High Chorus. Congratulations to these choral music students!
Drama students explore Greek mythology
Fifth graders in Trudy Wheeler’s drama classes are bringing Greek mythology to life this week. For this project, students researched a character from Greek myth, then wrote a dramatic monologue for that character.
Students also created masks designed to showcase the attributes of each mythological figure. This week, students performed their monologues for parents during class time. During the project, students also learned about the importance of theater in ancient Greek culture.
Trick or Treat food drive collects two tons of food
The Middle School Drama Society and Upper School Actors Guild are proud to announce that the Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat canned food drive has donated just under 4,000 pounds of food to Dare to Care! According to Trudy Wheeler, this is about 1,000 pounds more than the groups have ever raised before.
In addition, the Fine Arts Guild agreed to donate ten cents per pound collected, so Dare to Care also received a check for nearly $400! Thanks to the Upper School Actors Guild, the Middle School Drama Society, and everyone who donated cans to this fantastic project!
Upper school presents Our Town
Congratulations to director Kate Scinta and the cast and crew of Our Town on a terrific production!
Ghanaian artist visits classes
Last Thursday, Dean Brown’s middle school students welcomed Ghanaian textile artist Elsie Amina Gombilla to their art classes.
Ms. Gombilla was in Louisville for the St. James Art Fair, but when her shipment of clothing and fabrics did not arrive in time, Sister Cities Louisville worked with Dexter Mahaffey to arrange her visit to KCD. Ms. Gombilla discussed her work with students and described some of the cultural traditions of the different regions and communities in Ghana.
