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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected] 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
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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