Art is a means for our students to engage with a deep-seated want to communicate creatively and poignantly. Ms. Casey Arbor, our Visual Art Instructor, motivates our students to examine their life experiences and engage thoughtfully with environmental, political, and social issues in their artistic endeavors.
On June 9, Ms. Arbor and two students, Logan Brunk ’23 and Jiahn Ann Lee ’24, were recognized for their artistic contributions by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers at the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in New York City.
Ms. Arbor was a spotlighted educator during the awards ceremony and shared her reflections on the words of Dick Robinson, late Chairman of Scholastic, who often said, “…teachers are the power that drives young people forward, the gatekeepers, the encouragers, the providers of learning and hope.”
“I feel humbled and fortunate to have the best vocation in the universe. I also recognize I am the keeper of something sacred and have a huge responsibility. My students know the studio is a safe place for them to think critically, to problem-solve, and most importantly to flourish; they also know that I believe in them, their vision, and their growth. It isn’t always easy to share one’s work, I understand, it takes courage, especially if the work deals with big and personal content. What submitting work tells each of my artists is that their voice matters, that their artwork is important, that there is someone somewhere whose life may be changed by seeing their work.”
Ms. Arbor’s encouragement of her students to boldly showcase their art in the Regional Scholastic Art competition led to Logan and Ann earning National Gold Medals for exceptional work in Photography and Drawing & Illustration, respectively. Ann’s piece, “Meli,” also earned a Best-In-Grade Award. Logan’s photograph, “Two Sides of the Same Coin,” received an American Visions Medal.
You can view the 2022 Virtual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony here.
- 7:28: National Medalists recognized, including Logan and Ann
- 23:50: Billy DiMichele, Master of Ceremonies and Senior Vice President for Creative Development – Scholastic interviews Art Educators, Ms. Arbor and Mr. Robins