1

Good News and Accomplishments of the Visual Arts Department

2015-16 was an incredibly busy and productive year. Take a few minutes to

look over our news and noteworthy events.

Senior Art Show

The artistic accomplishments of 13 RHS students were

celebrated on Thursday, June 9th. They worked hard for

two days to create a gallery space for their reception. Effort

and commitment to their art was evident in the quality of

work displayed in each student’s gallery. There were many

friends, family, staff, and alumni in attendance and

everyone enjoyed the food, music and the artist’s amazing

talent. On Friday, all teachers and their classes were

invited to see the show.

Graduating Artists

The following students participated in this

year’s Senior Art Show:

(left to right, back to front)

CLAUDIA BORODZIUK

ERICKA KATZENBACK

JESS ELLERSICK

CASEY PICCITTO

FRANCES NEUBAUER

ALYSSON FLORES

SUSAN ARRIOLA

JENN AVERY

AUTUMN MANCHE

JORDAN WILLIAMS

JESSICA WYSE

JORDAN SEGRAVE

COLE KAUFMAN

2

About the Artists

AP Art student Claudia Borodzuik has her future planned. She’ll enter Ramapo College in the fall as a Biochemistry Major and Psychology Minor. Then she’ll go on to Medical School to study neurology. Her interests are evident in her concentration, a series of work on display in her gallery. From her Artist Statement: “My art mainly focuses on abstractions and visual explorations of the human body and other organic forms. I work in embroidery, ink, charcoal, and photography. Art is a really important way of expressing myself, and while I’m not pursuing it as a career, I plan on keeping it as a part of my life.” National Honor Society and Renaissance Award recipient for 3.75 GPA all 4 years.

Ericka Katzenback plans on majoring in fashion merchandising at the University of Delaware. “I think art is something that is almost impossible to

define. Everyone views art differently so how is someone to determine if something is good or bad?

... In all honesty my favorite part of art is watching the other artists around me. The people I have

worked with were very beneficial to my art. I took their critiques and applied them to try and better my

work. I hope I never stop taking pictures…”

Ericka, a member of National Honor Society, earned a Renaissance Award for a GPA of 3.75 all 4 years.

Jess Ellersick thinks, sees and acts like an artist; understands the creative process, is thoughtful, observant, original and productive. Her concentration, an exploration of the human figure is full of symbolism and hidden messages. From her artist statement: “It all starts as animals and apple trees on your refrigerator which eventually becomes a piece of you, a self-reflection. And as much as art is about observing the world or about art becoming your personal voice; it’s about introspection; about confronting the things that make you

uncomfortable…”

Jess was a Member of the National Honor Society and received a scholarship based upon her art to DCAD. She plans to study Illustration and Art Education at Montserrat College of Art.

3

Casey Picciuto talks about her love of art; describes it

as an escape which gives her an opportunity to create by

combining imagination and art materials. Her high school art

classes led to engineering classes which led her to discover

her passion. While she demonstrates of her love of art, she’s

proving her love of Country. Casey will join the U.S. Air

Force with a goal of fulfilling her dream: to become an

Aerospace Engineer.

We salute you Casey for serving and wish you the best of luck.

Ceramics is the focus of Frances Neubauer’s

body of artwork. Within it you can see her high level of skill and

craftsmanship; you get insight to her interests and playful nature. What

may not be as apparent are the planning, risk taking, problem solving

and determination necessary to achieve what you see. Frances explains

her success “My art has grown since I started to work with

new media and techniques… When I make a mistake... I learn from it. I

critique myself when I finish and think about what I could have done

better or what I could do differently.” Frances is a scholar as well as an

artist, has been on the Honor Roll all 4 years and earned a Renaissance

Award for a GPA of 3.75 for 2 years. Frances will continue her studies

in Fine Arts at Montclair State University.

4

Alysson Flores was always interested in

art and drawing. Place a piece of blank paper

in front of her and see what happens… She

can’t help but to draw on it! Her series of work for the College Board portfolio was inspired by

Japanese printmaking. Alysson infused the

ancient prints with the genre of life in the 21st

Century. Look closely and you’ll see

pocketbooks, cell phones and today’s fashion.

Alysson will continue to pursue her passion at

County College of Morris and intends on

making art her career.

Susan Arriola has a natural talent, strong work ethic and a love of art.

She states that her inspiration to create comes from the masters. Using a

wide variety of media and subject matter, Susan created a body of work

that shows her creativity and attention to detail. Earning a Renaissance

Award for 2 years, (GPA of 3.75+) her future plans are to do Missionary

Service for the next 18 months and then to attend Brigham Young

University.

Jenn Avery’s gallery tells about her passion and

commitment to Photography; you can see that in the

awards and recognition she’s received for her work.

Study her work closer and you may get an uneasy

feeling. She explains in her Artist Statement: “I love

to take photos of creepy and odd subjects. Portraits

that are strange and eerie… and grab the viewer’s

attention. I’m a very quiet girl and feel that I can express myself through my artwork” Jenn plans to

major in Nursing, minor in Photography at County

College of Morris.

5

Autumn Manche was voted “Most

Artistic” by RHS seniors; a superlative that she

exemplifies through her practice and passion.

She speaks of her love of photography which

started when she was a child and how taking a

photo of her family on their boat at the age of

seven influenced her perception of the world

today. Autumn explores, takes risks and

challenges herself. She finds inspiration

in the mundane and gives it new meaning through her artwork. Her interests and skills encompass a wide

range of media, artistic styles and ideas which are evident in her body of work. Autumn plans on continuing

her studies at SUNY Purchase in New York?

Jordan Williams says it best: “I had myself convinced that I was a

terrible artist, I limited my art to the margins of my notebooks and the

backs of my hands. I took photo in my junior year and it opened a

door… I didn’t even know existed. Photography allowed me to reclaim

my right to artistic expression… I began to define myself not only as an

artist but as a person.” Jordan’s artist statement goes on to thank

her family, friends and teacher Ms. Zengel for making it possible for her

to have found her passion. She will go to Tyler School of Art at Temple

University in Philadelphia this fall.

Jessica Wyse overcame

challenges to become the artist

that we know today.

Since then she‘s taken art classes every year in high school and in

doing so created an impressive portfolio of work. Her gallery highlighted

works in mixed media in which she incorporates collage, stencils, paint

and geometric designs. Jess was a recipient of the Russel and Lucy

McMurtie Scholarship and plans to continue her education at Lycoming

College in PA.

6

Jordan Seagrave excelled in academics and

athletics at RHS but says that the two subjects she

loves most are math and art. A member of the

National Honor Society, Jordan earned a

Renaissance Award for a GPA of 3.75 all 4 years and

received the Russel and Lucy McMurtie Scholarship.

Jordan will attend Muhlenberg College in the fall to

play both field hockey and lacrosse. She plans to

major in Business but looks forward to taking more

art classes.

Cole Kaufman’s work shows a variety of styles and concepts. His series of works, an illustration

of Fairy Tales, is captivating in his use of graphic design and detail as well as thought provoking when

relating the image to the written word. Cole proves himself to be an artist but also earns the title of

scholar: recipient of a Renaissance Award for a GPA of 3.75 all 4 years. Also, Cole served on the

Student Council as Sergeant­at­Arms, was awarded the James O’Donnell, Mt. Arlington PTA and the

Rotary Club of Lake Hopatcong Scholarships. Cole will attend Rutgers University in the fall.

A work from Cole’s series was purchased by the NAHS for inclusion in the student art gallery at RHS.

7

Art Shows & Competitions:

Roxbury participated in 11 Art Shows and Competitions this year. 154 student works were entered

and 36 were award recipients. Congratulations to all who participated!

10 RHS juniors and seniors had work on display at the

Mt Olive NAHS Invitational

At an Artist’s Reception Jessica Ellersick was awarded

1st Place in Mixed Media and received a Scholarship

based solely upon that work to Delaware College of Art

& Design.

6 RHS students, grades 11 and 12 had work on display at the 2016 ArtStart Exhibition at William Paterson University. Awards went to Claudia Borodzuik, “Best” in Open Category for her

photo montage (left) Frances Neubauer, Honorable Mention in 3­D Category for

Raku Fired Ceramics (center) and Shannon Rickley,

Honorable Mention in Painting for Watercolor

8

Montville Mudd Student Ceramics Art Exhibition

gave 10 students the opportunity

to show off their talent.

4 students received awards:

Frances Neubauer 2nd Place in

Functional Ceramics (far right)

Hannah Safreed Honorable

Mention Decorative Ceramics

Special Recognition

to Rebecca Shukis (left)

and An Award (Family Pass)

from Montclair Art Museum to

Leanna Bacani.

Blackwell Street High School Student Art Show receives submissions

from high school students throughout the

County. We look forward to this event all year

because it gives teachers the greatest

opportunity to acknowledge their student’s best

work. Nearly 1,000 pieces are judged by a

panel of artists from the Blackwell Street Center

for the Arts. The works selected for entry are on

display at Atrium Gallery in Morristown. At the

opening reception on April 1st, ribbons were

awarded for various categories. Students,

friends, parents and teachers attended to

celebrate the talent and achievements of all who

participated.

Detail from Autumn Manche’s (grade 12) four woven digital inkjet prints, Portrait of a Young Girl, 1613.

Project completed during Artist in Residence Program

Roxbury submitted 86 works, student’s grades 9­12

53 works selected and 17 received awards.

1st Place Awards:

Mixed Media awarded to Jordan Segrave, grade 12

Scratchboard Drawing, Corrine Rasmussen, grade 12

(right) Ceramics awarded to Frances Neubauer, grade 12

9

2nd Place Awards:

Wire Sculpture awarded to Erin Valentine, grade 12

Ink Drawing to Cole Kaufman, grade 12

3rd Place Awards:

Ceramics to Hannah Safreed,

grade 12 (left)

Photography Transfer by Ericka

Katzenback grade 12

Ink Drawing Jess Ellersick

Mixed Media to Nicolo Tenorio,

grade 12 (shown with his mom,

his work below)

Mixed Media to Allison Abney,

grade 11

Honorable Mention Awards:

Digital Photography, Ericka Katzenback

Ceramics to Al Petrocco, grade 12

Painting to Leanna Bacani, grade 11

Ceramics to Rebecca Shukis, grade 11

Graphite Drawing to Zoe Paxos, grade 11

Collage to Autumn Manche, grade 12

Ink Drawing to Allison Abney, grade 11

(below)

Allison’s “Sing from Your Heart” was part of the admission criteria for AP

Studio Art class. The assignment required creation of an original work of art

which incorporated used tea bags!

Work from 3 other RHS artists can be seen on the following webpage: http://www.morrisarts.org/2016/03/24/blackwell­street­juried­student­exhibit­marks­28th­year­with­april ­1­opening

10

Teen Arts High School Art Show and Competition at CCM

20 RHS student had work on

display and 5 juniors received

recognition at Teen Arts.

Leanna Bacani (center) received Highest Distinction for her

drawing. Awards for Distinction went to Emily Forester (left),

Kassandra Matz (right) and Zoe Paxos (work shown at top right)

for their paintings and Jessica Schaub for her digital photograph.

36th Annual Photographer’s Forum College & High School

Photography Contest is open to all high school, college and university students in the

United States, Canada and around the world. Of the thousands of entries there are 8 winning

photographs, 100 Honorable Mentions and 687 Finalists. Two RHS Photography students were

awarded Honorable Mention and received a gold embossed certificate. Their work has been

published in a hardcover book. pfmagazine.com

Jordan Williams, grade 12 (right)

Ericka Katzenback, grade 12 (above)

11

Seven Photography students were finalists in the

CCM 4th Annual Photo Contest for High School Students.

Olivia Boograde, grade 11

Awarded 2nd Place Overall

Senior Jenn Avery received

the Popularity Award for

Most Facebook Likes (right)

Andrea Serrano (left) and Andrea Reyes (right) show their entries.

Visual Journaling students created artwork which represented the theme:

“Celebrate the Arts” for the

MPAC STUDENT ART GALLERY EXHIBIT’s

8th Annual Program Cover Contest. The student’s artwork was on display

in the MPAC Art Upstairs Gallery during the month of March and seen by

thousands of theatre patrons.

Other Exhibits:

2015 Drexel University High School Contest and Exhibition selected a photograph by Jordan Williams for inclusion in their prestigious exhibit

Two students had artwork on display at the NJASBO Student Artwork Exhibit,

Business Administrators Conference Atlantic City Borgata Event Center

Jennifer Avery had work on display at the Congressional District Art Competition

12

More Student Accomplishments: Senior Awards went to the following students who have shown extraordinary dedication and

commitment to the arts during the 2015­16 school year:

Highest Achievement in the Visual Arts: Jess Ellersick & Autumn Manche

Highest Development in the Visual Arts: Casey Piccitto

Excellence in Photography: Jordan Williams Excellence in Drawing &

Painting: Susan Arriola

Excellence in Yearbook Production & Editorial Design: MacKenzie Garrity

Excellence in Ceramics ­ Frances Neubaurer

Student of the Month the following students were recommended by their

teachers for their exceptional work in the classroom:

Jessica Ellersick ­ Month of October Autumn Manche ­ November

Frances Neubauer ­ December Mackenzie Coakley ­ January

Susan Arriola­Lugo ­ February Sara Dischino ­ March

Jordan Williams ­ April

Advanced Placement Art Studio

Representatives from Art Schools and Colleges visited AP Art during the first

semester. They spoke to students regarding college admissions, art programs and

careers and discussed portfolio submission requirements.

Montserrat College of Art, Beverly, MA

Hartford School of Art, West Hartford, CT

MECA (Maine College of Art), Portland, ME T

Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah, GA

Delaware College of Art & Design, Wilmington, DE

Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD

In the second semester students seeking admission to AP Studio Art were challenged to demonstrate

their “artistic voice” and their understanding of the creative process. Given 2 weeks to complete a

Course Interest Project with the following stipulations: incorporate provided material (used, dried tea

bags), complete visual & subject based research, exploration of surface & media, style, technique, and

composition possibilities and documentation of their process. Assigned by AP teacher, Renee Zengel

student work was scored according to the AP Studio Art Scoring Rubric; giving the applicants an

understanding of course expectations. Eleven art students accepted the challenge and nine have been

accepted thus far into the AP program for 2016­17.

Example above right by Kassandra Matiz, grade 11, “A Gentle Touch”, Tea Bags, wheat, oil pastel on masonite

13

AP Art Studio is an intense class where students are challenged on a

daily basis to create sophisticated, thoughtful works of art. Portfolio

Submissions are due to the College Board for review in mid-May. AP Art

students had worked the majority of the year to complete this daunting

task. 20 works in a series were digitally submitted to fulfill the

Concentration requirement. Five original works illustrating Breath

(excellence in technique) and a written essay explaining the process and

concept of the art concentration were carefully organized in large

portfolios. Students felt a sense of accomplishment when their portfolios

were placed on a cart and delivered to Guidance for delivery to the

College Board. They may have completed the course but the sigh of

relief will not come until receipt of their scores this summer! Good luck!!

Our first School Choice Visual Arts students James Sullivan and Tara Egan will enter their

Junior year this fall; James will pursue his studies in Advanced Photography and Tara in Portfolio

Development. Entering the program with extraordinary talent and passion in visual arts, they continue

to develop their skills, explore new media and participate in clubs, trips and special events.

Learning In (and Outside) of the Classroom

Field Trips:

Yearbook class attended the Garden State Scholastic Press Association Conference

with Yearbook Production teacher Danielle Alvarado. Fall Press Day is sponsored in cooperation with

the Department of Mass Media and Communication of Rutgers University. Students were able to take

workshops on yearbook design, journalism and photography. They enjoyed a lecture from a keynote

speaker on the importance of telling the truth and overcoming controversy.

14

20 students attended the CCM Teen Arts Festival. They had a chance to watch competitions of

performing artists, meet visual arts students from other districts, tour the campus and art studios

where they participated in various art workshops.

30 students had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Students included

those from Art Studio, Portfolio, Advanced Photo, School Choice, Ceramics and Color & Design.

Guest Speakers:

Yearbook Production class learned about taking candid photography this October. The

representative from Lors Photography Studio taught the dos and don’ts of candid photography and

how to elevate the yearbook through photographs. Students also learned about what makes a great

dominant photograph in a layout and how to tell a story through their photographs. They analyzed the

photographed that they had already taken and considered how they would improve in the future.

At the end of September Yearbook Production class had a business meeting and conference

call with a professional graphic designer who worked with the students to design this year’s cover for

the Echo Yearbook. Students were on speaker, the graphic designer had a live feed of the cover

projected in the classroom. Students were able to obtain real world experience in professionalism,

leadership, design and communication through this real life use of technology.

Head of the CCM Design Department

Professor James Howard visited the

Portfolio Development class. He

discussed higher education in the visual

arts, art careers, viewed and offered

critique of student’s digital and traditional

portfolios.

15

Artist in Residence Programs

Alternative Glazing and Firing Techniques

Steve Jaskowak is Ceramic Studio Director at Montclair Art

Museum and Professor at Kean University. He returned to RHS

for his annual workshop which took place on 4 days, October

through January. On day one the artist taught students glaze

mixing; weighing dry chemicals and mixing five gallon buckets

of special glazes. Day two introduced alternative glazing

techniques for the three different types of firings. Next, the

equipment was set up and a demonstration of wheel throwing

techniques to

Ceramics 1 classes.

Between each visit

students applied the

methods to their

ceramic ware and noted the process. Finally, on a brisk

January day the class spent the day firing: raku, sagar and

slip resist. As always Safety First! The raku process is

explained in detail and students are instructed of their

participation and responsibilities.

In the end, pride in the results and a day the students

will never forget!

16

Art History Redeux

Professor Martin Kruck from New Jersey City

University presented a 3 day workshop to AP

Art Studio this past November.

The artist gave a presentation on the history

of portraiture, demonstrations of classical

lighting techniques and of manual photography.

Professor Kruck guided the students regarding

insightful color, planning and execution of their

photographs.

When complete, the class reflected on the experience, critiqued the final prints and

expanded upon the results. Multiple photographs were printed, cut into strips and

woven to create unique photo montage.

Administrators support our students in many ways! Student Frances Neubaurer’s ceramic mask (left)

was purchased by our Superintendent of schools

Loretta Radulic who plans to start a gallery of

Roxbury student artwork in the Board of Education

Office. Maryann Gibbs, Personnel Director,

purchased a graphic design from senior Jordan

Williams which will also hang at the BOE.

17

District Events

The Festival of the Arts took place

on May 26 along with the Roxbury

Symphonic Celebration. The Broadway

Theatre class performed, art was on

display throughout the halls and

classrooms and student art was judged

and displayed by AP Art students .

New this year and adding to the festivities, elementary and

middle school art students displayed their best work.

High school art students led activities including action

photography, face and henna painting and duct tape crafts.

The event was a great

success, attended by

hundreds of students,

families, friends and

community members.

This year’s theme was based upon contemporary artist Robert Longo

and decoration inspired by his work filled the space.

“Men in the Cities” Robert Longo

18

What makes America Great? was the theme for a

competition held by teachers Nancy Valenta and

Monica Roman. Students got creative for the

Chalk Walk 2016 took place on May 24th.

RHS art students whose designs were selected teamed

up with students from EMS, Lincoln Roosevelt and

Kennedy for the 4th Annual “Chalk Walk’ held in front of

the RHS.

The beautiful chalk murals decorated the sidewalks in

front of Roxbury High School for several weeks after

the event.

Clubs & Extracurricular:

The National Art Honor Society had a great year!

Here’s a taste of what they’ve been up to...

Professor James Howard head of the CCM Design

Department spoke to the NAHS members about the

importance of creativity and how it assures success

in the 21st century job market.

The club sponsored a Digital Art Day (art apps)

focusing on how Apps can help students create art,

study art history and be fun.

NAHS created a 3D DEATH STAR (from Star Wars)

in collaboration with Mrs. Rassmussen for the

Roxbury Public Library’s Family Fun Day. Nancy Valenta advisor (top left) and members

19

Instrumental to organizing and setting up for the Festival of the Arts, NAHS members made figures

inspired by artist Robert Longo and helped hang them from the ceiling to decorate the lobby.

This spring Art Club students organized an “ART Scavenger Hunt” with EMS art club members. They

had a limited time to find listed items and then got creative to arrange and draw them in a unique way.

At a NAHS meeting Chris McKiernan, (top row 2nd from right) RHS graduate, discussed his

experience as a college art student and now graphic designer. He showed the group his drawing and

digital portfolio and gave tips about how to prepare for an art career.

Art club students from EMS and Lincoln Roosevelt worked with NAHS students several times during

the year to create a variety of projects including illustration, cut paper and mixed media. Below, EMS

art teacher Marie Pessolano photographs students during a workshop.

NAHS creates decoration on the windows of the main office, changing them for each season or event

which is excellent practice for… the annual Holiday Window Painting competition run by Nancy

Valenta and Monica Roman, art students and their teams brighten the Ledgewood Mall with holiday

window murals.

Not only is it fun to belong, the National Art Honor Society benefits school, district and community!

20

Yearbook Club

“Together We…” is the theme of the

2015­16 Echo Yearbook. The Yearbook

Club and Yearbook Production class put in

hours and hours of work... covering every

school event, visiting every department

capturing every memory and in the end

created a beautiful souvenir for every

student and staff member of Roxbury High

School.

Danielle Alvarado and Helen Hollenbeck

advisors, every member of the club and

class have created a work to be very proud

of. Congratulations!

School and Department Collaborations: Collaboration between RHS and EMS art teachers and administrators to plan and orchestrate the EMS Art Enrichment Program

RHS Performing Artists and Visual Artists from RHS, elementary and EMS celebrated their achievements at the RHS Festival of the Arts

Dance students modeled for Portfolio Development class as they practiced gesture and figure drawing Collaboration with Guidance Department regarding AP Art portfolio submissions to the College Board

High School Art students teamed up with students from EMS, Lincoln Roosevelt and Kennedy for our Annual “Chalk Walk’ and for several art activities with NAHS members throughout the school year.

Staff Development, etc:

Teacher Nancy Valenta had her personal artwork on display at the 2016 ArtStart Exhibition, a mixed Media painting, “Nymphaea”. She also completed a graduate course at RTC, titled Teaching 2.0: iPads in Education.

Renee Zengel is appreciated by her students who nominated her for Teacher of the Year

Joann Hughes attended a ceramic workshop at the Naked Potter ceramic studio in Waitsfield VT this fall and participated in the Holiday Ceramics Sale at Montclair Art Museum.

In the fall of 2015 Izzy Speronza, Roxbury K­6 Art Teacher/Artist painted a triptych titled “Tablet

to Tablet” which portrayed a history of reading from the Stone Age through the present E­age. Proceeds from this fundraiser went to the Roxbury Public Library for purchase of reader tablets.

21

Tom Kuplin is retiring from teaching at Franklin and Jefferson Schools. We hope he’ll keep in

touch and come to our special events. It won’t be the same without him at our meetings and happenings. We wish Tom a very long and happy endless summer.

We'll be happy to have teacher Lisa Gurzo return to RHS in the fall after taking a year to

introduce Hudson Ulysses Gurzo to the world. Filling her position was Melissa Silvestri, a graduate from Rowan University in 2015. We thank her for all she did for the department and

her students and wish her much success in the future.

Danielle Alvarado started teaching at RHS in 2014. Her classes

include Art I, Art II and Yearbook Production. She served as advisor to the Yearbook Club and Winter Guard. As full as her days (and nights, weekends and summers) were, she took on every responsibility with passion, joy and energy. We’ll miss her as she leaves to start a new life in the Washington DC area and we wish her much luck and happiness in the future.

We’re happy to have Scott Schilling join us in the fall as a

teacher in the RHS Visual Arts Department. Scott graduated from William Paterson University in 2016 with a major in Art Education emphasis in Graphics Design.

News from our Alumni:

Jeff Phan, class of 2014, graduated from County College of Morris with a degree in Graphic Design. He is now serving as an intern at Aviate Creative a Graphic Design studio in Chester. Paul Kiesche, President and Creative Director of the firm (RHS 2006) is an accomplished artist and professor at CCM.

Jacob Mandel, 2008 RHS graduate is always in the news. He's been a professional artist

since graduating from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts. Employed at Gallery Aferro in Newark, Jacob’s media is photography but his experience extends to curator, manager, installation artist and educator. Recently, teaching a workshop “How to Photograph your Artwork” and participating in Index Side Gallery’s "Untitled Installation"; a collaboration between design critics from Oculus Art Collaborative of which he is a member and students from NJIT’s School of Architecture.

Natalie Florio, class of 2006 and graduate of Pratt in Utica, NY has been working for the last

two years as an assistant painting for Jeff Koons in NYC. Prior to that position she worked for the Museum of Art and Design and the Museum of Modern Art.

Allison Inga, finishing her studies in Ceramics at CCM, visited RHS and spoke of her plans to apply to Alfred University which is one of the leading ceramics colleges in New York.

2009 RHS graduate Nicole Wilk is now an Art Teacher & Activities Coordinator at Paterson

Arts and Science Charter School. She left RHS for Montclair State University where she received a degree in Art Education, then to Caldwell University for a degree in Art Therapy in 2014. In 2016 she received her Master’s in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

22

More success stories… alumni Todd Carpenter is teaching art at Mt. Olive, Stacy Watson

teaches art at Randolph Middle School and Raymond Vikete teaches art and technology at Wharton schools.

Jess Pasinosky graduated in 2015 with college credits from AP Art Studio. She visited in

December to let Ms. Zengel know that her professors recognized her advanced knowledge and skill in the arts and exempted her from several entry level classes.

Laura Montoya, RHS alumni, has been a professional artist for several years. Now living in

Saugerties, NY, she recently contacted Ms. Hughes regarding her most recent artistic exploration of media: ceramics and wood firing.

Want to know more about our alumni? Check out this link on Pinterest >>> http://www.pinterest.com/joannkotthughes/artists­rhs­alumni/ for more news about Visual Art Department Alumni from Roxbury High School. These former students are now successful in a variety of careers which have connections to the art world. If you know of any other success stories please share them by emailing jhughes@roxbury.org so that they can be added to the board.

Closing Thoughts: I am proud of the accomplishments that the RHS Visual Arts department made this past year. They

came from hard work, planning and collaboration on the part of our teachers; as well as the support

and guidance of our administrators. Our staff is focused on offering our students every possible

opportunity to learn, achieve and succeed; honing their skill and technique as they are guided through

the artist’s (creative) process: idea generation, planning, research, creating work, critique, modifying

and reflecting upon the result.

We offer our students many opportunities to interact with professional artists, recruiters and college

professors in order to explore higher education and careers in the arts; they participate in artist in

residence workshops, field trips, art shows and competitions. Offering such a wide variety of learning

activities requires a staff of dedicated teachers who are willing to go beyond what is required or

expected. We work in PLCs to select and prepare student work for display then deliver, set­up and

pickup from each show and competition. We celebrate with students, their families and friends at

Artist Receptions after school and on weekends; knowing that these activities promote pride, success

and recognition of our students, our school and our district.

The teachers of the Visual Arts Department acknowledge the support and guidance of administration,

our Principal, Jeff Swanson, our department supervisor, Jon Deeb and EMS Principal Dominick Miller.

Looking ahead we will continue on our path to clarify the vision and direction of our department in

order to assure the art students of Roxbury Township a very bright future.

Submitted by Joann Hughes

Lead Teacher of the Visual Arts Department

23

RHS Visual Arts Department 2015-16:

Danielle Alvarado, Art I, Art II, Yearbook Production, Advisor of Yearbook Club Lisa Gurzo, Graphic Design, Art I, Printmaking/Mixed Media, Sculpture Monica Roman, Drawing & Painting, Art I, EMS Art I Enrichment Nancy Valenta, Art I, Ceramics I­II, Visual Journaling, Teacher of Opus, Advisor of NAHS Renee Zengel, AP Art Studio, Advanced Photography, Photo I­II Joann Hughes, Lead Teacher, Portfolio Development, Ceramics I­IV, Color & Design