10th Annual Poet-in-Residence Announced

Award winning poet David Mason will be our poet-in-residence the week of March 15, 2010. He will give a free public reading at 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 18 in the Mary Johnson Music Center.

Mason's books of poems include The Buried Houses, winner of the Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize, The Country I Remember, which received the Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award, and Arrivals. His verse novel, Ludlow, was published in 2007, and named best poetry book of the year by the Contemporary Poetry Review and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Mason has also co-edited several textbooks and anthologies, including Western Wind: An Introduction to Poetry, Rebel Angels: 25 Poets of the New Formalism and Twentieth Century American Poetry among others.

Upper School Day of the Arts

Santa Catalina Upper School opened up its doors to prospective families who came to see our performing arts, music, and visual arts programs on Sunday, January 17.

Dana Hart-Stone, Visual Arts Department Chair, opened the program with a presentation on how the arts empower young women to think, create, and make a difference. Cynnie Haueter '10 spoke about discovering her acting abilities, and students and faculty performed Seasons of Love from Rent.

In the arts studio, girls designed paper dresses and colored them as the models moved around the room. Both parents and students threw pots with arts teacher Sandra Still and explored the darkroom with photography teacher Claire Lerner. Kim Roberson '85 was also on hand to talk about her work as an animator and writer for Disney's Phineas and Ferb.

Guests were also moved by a performance of Arthur Miller's 1953 Tony-award winning play, The Crucible. Directed by Roger Thompson, Chair of Theatre Arts, the actors, set designer, stagehands, and sound and tech engineers received a standing ovation. Mark Purcell, Music Department Chair, organized a concert featuring our gifted musicians and singers, and a dance class showcased our talented dancers.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in this amazing day! To see more photos, visit us at facebook.com/santacatalinaschool.

Upper School Presents The Crucible

Arthur Miller's Tony award-winning play, The Crucible, opened on January 15, 2010. The drama portrays the Salem, Massachusetts witchcraft trials that took place in 1692 and 1693. Miller wrote the play in 1953 as a response to the U.S. government blacklisting of accused communists.

"I've been teaching college, community, and high school theatre for over 35 years," remarked Roger Thompson, theatre arts teacher. "The cast of The Crucible is proving that high school students cannot only do a good play, but create wonderful theatre as well."

To make reservations, visit our Performances and Events page.

Senior Designs Set for Mid-Winter Play

Mary Claire Vatinel '10 designed the entire set for the Upper School production of The Crucible. Scenic design is her concentration for AP Art. During her time at Santa Catalina, Mary Claire has worked on theatrical scenery for Hello Dolly!, Comedy of Errors, and The Wizard of Oz. Great work!

Alumna Creates Magic at Disney

Kim Roberson '85 works as a writer and story board artist at Walt Disney Studios for the cartoon Phineas and Ferb. Click here to watch the video!

Photography Teacher Featured in Art Show

Claire Lerner, Upper School photography teacher, will have her artwork on display at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts from January 15 - February 19, 2010. Claire's current work focuses on fragmentary experiences. She combines snippets of overheard conversation with photography taken at the same location. The relationship between water and the human condition is also a reoccurring theme.

Meridel Rubenstein Brings Art to Campus

Photographer and lens-based artist Meridel Rubenstein was at Santa Catalina from November 30 - December 4, 2009.

Famous for pushing the limits of photography beyond traditional materials and methods, the artist-in-residence spoke to photography and art classes about her work and creative process. She showed students a series on the creation of the atomic bomb that focused on the friendships that were forged between Los Alamos scientists and local Native American residents. She also discussed her work on ancient trees and the lives of women.

Students were treated to two field trips to Point Lobos with the artist. There, they worked collaboratively on photographs for a new project focusing on human relationships to nature. "This new work is called Heaven Turned on its Side and alludes to our fragile environment," Ms. Rubenstein stated. "I'm searching for a visually direct means to portray earth processes as not being separate from our own breathing bodies."

Ms. Rubenstein's visit culminated with a presentation entitled "Art as an Agent of Change" where she gave an overview of using art to promote peace and a healthy environment.

A special thanks to Dana Hart-Stone for arranging this amazing opportunity. Ms. Rubenstein's work can be viewed in person at Brian Gross Fine Art in San Francisco.

Colleges Visit Santa Catalina

(Left to right) College representative Jennifer Nicolson meets with seniors
Brittany Sattler, Caitlan McChan, Amy Carr, Tamirah Dunlap,
and Dana Hart-Stone, Chair of the Visual Arts Department.

The University of Arts London was the last college to visit campus on December 8, 2009. The university is comprised of six art, design, fashion, and media colleges, with one of the most famous being Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Illustrious alums include fashion designers Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and John Galiano, and actors Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth.

College representative Jennifer Nicolson explained the overseas art programs, and how students explore different mediums before choosing one. During their interview, students show a portfolio along with sketchbooks that show the thought process that led up to their final work.

This fall, over 55 colleges came to Santa Catalina, including University of Chicago, University of Southern California, Tufts University, and Vanderbilt University, to name a few.

Artist-in-Residence Announced

Temple Tree

Meridel Rubenstein has been invited to be Santa Catalina's artist-in-residence from November 30 to December 4, 2009. The internationally known photographer and lens-based artist will be working with Upper School Photography, Studio Art, and Advanced Placement Studio Art students.

Trees at Sea

Ms. Rubenstein has been an artist and art educator for over thirty years. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the School of Art, Design, and Media at Nanyang University in Singapore. She has created photography programs at the College of Santa Fe and the Institute of American Indian Arts, and directed the photography program at San Francisco State University.

Ms. Rubenstein's sphere of investigation includes the lives of women, leadership in the forefront of environmental change, and the importance of place as identity maker in an ever changing and complex world. She is committed to teaching students the importance of constructing meaning in their work by addressing the interconnectedness between subject and technique, and by facilitating strategies that unveil students' concern for the human condition, the environment, and social justice. Her work can be seen at Brian Gross Fine Art in San Francisco.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Rubenstein to campus!

Lower School Art Exhibit at Airport

(Right to left) Carl Miller, Chairman, Monterey Peninsula Airport Board of Directors,
Ilene Tuttle, Director of Art at the Airport, Susan Smith, Lower School Art Teacher,
and Tom Greer, Monterey Peninsula Airport General Manager

Jackie Goldsmith, Jocelyn La Chance, and Rhianna La Chance

Carnival masks from the Lower School Art Show debuted in the "Fanciful Faces" exhibit at the Monterey Peninsula Airport Mezzanine Gallery on October 9, 2009. The show opened with an artist reception and appreciation ceremony. The masks will be on display through February 5, 2010.

Tandy Johnson-Cryns, Francesca Flores, Kaysha Nguyen, and Gabriella Sardina

Each year, seventh graders explore mask making in the tradition of Carnival in Venice, Italy. Popular styles include Comedia dell'Arte characters, jokers, forces of nature, and animals such as lions and birds. Bravo to our aspiring artists!

Students Honored at Scholastic Awards in NYC

(Left to right)
Susan Kendall, Anna Shokareva, Nathan Doherty, Hannah Clevenger, Susan Smith

Andrea Kohatsu '09 and Middle School students Hannah Clevenger, Nathan Doherty, and Anna Shokareva, along with their families, and teachers, Susan Kendall and Susan Smith, attended the Scholastic Arts and Writing celebrations, exhibits, and events in New York City on June 3-5, 2009.

Gold Award, Computer Art
Just Believe by Nathan Doherty

Honored on stage at Carnegie Hall, Nathan Doherty won a Gold Award for Computer Art, Andrea Kohatsu won a Silver Award for Graphic Design, and Hannah Clevenger and Anna Shokareva won Silver Awards for Computer Art. Susan Kendall was presented a Gold Medal in recognition for her role as a teacher and mentor.

The three judges were sculptor Tom Otterness, painter Philip Pearlstein, and Wendy Woon, the Deputy Director of MOMA. They looked for works that best exemplify originality, technical proficiency, and the emergence of an authentic voice and vision.

Silver Award, Computer Art
Future Veterans by Hannah Clevenger

The students' work was showcased at various locations around New York City including the World Monuments Fund Gallery, Parsons Aronson Gallery at the New School for Design, and the Scholastic Headquarters.

Teachers and students also attended a series of workshops, where they learned about creative careers from New York City art professionals such as studio artists, literary agents, designers at major corporations, directors of art galleries, and other NYC cultural leaders and organizations. Designer Zac Posen discussed his fashion design work, writers and artists welcomed award recipients at publications such as the New Yorker Magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, and DC Comics. Gallery tours and visits to artist studios were also offered.

Silver Award, Graphic Design
A Day in the Life of a Human by Andrea Kohatsu

"It is important to acknowledge visual literacy, to celebrate that part of the child, which is integral to the education of the student," said Susan Kendall. "Creative thinking and problem solving are essential and exceedingly sought after in the world today. It is a long standing belief in education and reflects the mission of our school."

Susan Smith remembers winning a Scholastic Award as a teenager, "The award was definitely a motivational factor in my life. Our students have now joined a committed community dedicated to supporting young artists. The goal is that the students will stay engaged, nurture their creativity, and inspire those around them to artistic and academic excellence."

Silver Award, Computer Art
Arguing with Myself by Anna Shokareva

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers encourages and recognizes emerging teenage artists and writers. Each year, students in 7-12 grades submit their creative work for professional assessment. Two Upper School students and eleven Lower School students won Gold Key Awards, which placed their work in the national competition for the Gold and Silver Awards.

Congratulations to all our talented artists!

Evening of the Arts

Alexandre Harrell '09 in "Reflection of Music" to Pavane Opus 50 by Gabriel Fauré

Mark Purcell, music teacher, conducts the Chamber Ensemble

Kayti Ramirez '11, Alison Ruhnke '10, and Elyse Quast '12
in "America" from West Side Story

Greeted by a ceramic art exhibition, Upper School parents, faculty, and friends enjoyed the annual Evening of the Arts on May 15, 2009.

The program included musical performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Chamber Ensemble, including "Mo' Li Hua" (The Jasmine Flower), a traditional Chinese folk song, and "Apassionato" from Brian Balmage's Latin Dances.

Dancers performed both modern and advanced ballet pieces including "Kite Tournament" from The Kite Runner by Alberto Iglesias.

Theater students presented comic and serious monologues, video commercials, and a closing performance of "America" from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.

Bravo to our talented actresses, musicians, dancers, singers, artists, and the teachers who made it possible. Encore!

Kip Fulbeck Visits Campus

Renowned speaker Kip Fulbeck visited Santa Catalina on May 20, 2009. Invited by Upper School art teacher Dana Hart-Stone, the award-winning artist, slam poet, filmmaker, and author led art students in a workshop where preconceived concepts of identity were explored.

Upper School students were then treated to a performance in the PAC where Kip blended stand-up comedy, political activism, and personal stories into a spirited exploration of identity, racial heritage, and our commonalities. Afterwards, he signed copies of his books and a lucky few even received an impromtu animal drawing.

A Professor and Chair of Art and an affiliate faculty of Asian American Studies and Film Studies at UC Santa Barbara, Kip has performed and exhibited in over 20 countries including the Museum of Modern Art, the Singapore International Film Festival, and the Whitney Museum of American Art Biennial.

Choir Wins First Place Award

Santa Catalina's choir scored higher than all women's choirs at the Music in the Parks competition on May 16, 2009. The group competed against local and regional attendees and took home the 1st place trophy after a wonderful day at Great America.

Founded in 1980, Music in the Parks provides amusement park music competitions and student music festivals. The company's goal is to bring students and judges together in a positive learning environment that will inspire excellence and a lifelong love of music.

Lower School Spring Art Show

"Biography Collages" in mixed media by Grade 3
and "Happy Birthday!" painted ceramics by Grade 4

Lower School hosted an art show featuring the work of students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Opening on May 5, 2009, the reception featured an ice cream social.

During the following week, art teacher Susan Smith asked students to choose their favorite pieces and discuss their impressions. Bravo to all our aspiring artists for a breathtaking show!

Lower School Scholastic Gold Key Awards

Teachers Susan Kendall and Susan Smith recently received letters of congratulations from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and a list of the Gold Key winners. Across the country, students in grades 7-12 submitted more than 140,000 works of art and writing.

Awards are give to work that demonstrates the highest levels of originality, technique, and personal vision. Students are recognized with Gold Key pins and certificates. Congratulations to our artists!

Computer Art

Future Veterans by Hannah Clevenger

Decisions by Caroline Conron

Just Believe by Nathan Doherty

Artemis by Madeline Fithian

Unreal by Francesca Murray

Arguing with Myself by Anna Shokareva

Photography

Eyes by Anna Shokareva

Printmaking

Striped Thoughts by Elena Dryer

Loss by Victoria Kohatsu

Bitterness by Lucy Scattini

Sculpture

A Day in the Garden by Bridget Bartz

The Greed by Alexa McWhorter

Spring Celebrated with Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Upper School art students created Easter eggs with a traditional Ukrainian technique called "pysanky." Using hot wax to draw patterns, the egg is dipped in dyes from light to dark. The wax is then removed and a layer of clear sealant is applied. Finally, a hole is made in one end, and the egg yolk and white are removed. The end result is a delicate, brilliantly colored shell.

Egg decoration is a vital part of the Ukrainian culture, and pysanky designs date back to 1,300 B.C. The egg is seen as both a talisman and a sign of rebirth, and the colors and shapes represent nature and different rites of passage.

Upper School Scholastic Gold Key Awards

A Day in the Life of a Human by Andrea Kohatsu

Art teacher Dana Hart-Stone announced the winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for originality, technique, and personal vision. Natalie Cullom '11 won a Gold Key for painting, and Andrea Kohatsu '09 won a Gold Key and Silver Award for graphic design.

Apology for Bad Dreams by Natalie Cullom

In their 86-year history, the Scholastic awards have recognized some of America's most celebrated artists and authors while they in grades 7-12. Winners have included Richard Avedon, Truman Capote, Frances Farmer, Robert Indiana, Donald Lipski, Joyce Maynard, Joyce Carol Oats, Philip Pearlstein, Sylvia Plath, Robert Redford, and Andy Warhol.

Brava to our next generation of artists!

Art Students Sweep County Competition

The Island by Rhianna La Chance

Middle School art students won awards in every category in the 2009 Youth Art Competitive in March. The exhibit featured students from Monterey County high schools and middle schools. Awards were given to work demonstrating visual appeal, creativity, content, and media skills. Bravo to all our artists!

Crafts
Rhianna La Chance The Island - 1st Place
Hannah Clevenger The Storm - 2nd Place
Ellie Stork Lady in Gold - 3rd Place
Makena Ehnisz Silence in Silver - Honorable Mention
Francesca Flores Broken Love - Honorable Mention
Jocelyn LaChance Exotic Happiness - Honorable Mention

Fine Arts
Greg Johnston King of the Savannah - 3rd Place

Graphics
Elena Deyer Striped Thoughts - 1st Place
Mikayla Avalos-Feehan Age - Honorable Mention
Lucy Scattini Bitterness - Honorable Mention

Sculpture
Kelsey Green A Play for the Gold - 1st Place
Marisa Christensen Poised in Duel - Honorable Mention

Art and Photography Students Exhibit in Carmel

Thinking Out Loud, an art exhibit at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, runs from March 7-27, 2009. Six students from Santa Catalina were selected from among high schools throughout Monterey County. Brava!

Complete, Catherine Armanasco '10

Self-Portrait, Yvonne Chin '09

Portrait of Haddie Dowson, Lottie Dowson '09

Follicle, Rosemary Hall '09

Untitled, Malwina Maslowska '10

Bowl for Avocados, Cristina Tarriba Villa '09

Arts Publication Honored

Mosaic was given a rating of "Excellent" by the National Council of Teachers of English's "Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines" in 2008. The publication included student poems, short stories, drawings, and photographs, as well as a CD of student music.

"This is an achievement for our students," said English teacher Simon Hunt. "We should all feel glad to be part of a school that recognizes the value of the arts and supports student writers, photographers, artists, and musicians."

Art Teacher Exhibits Work in San Francisco

Cowboys and Indians, 2006

Cowboys and Indians, detail

Dana Hart-Stone, Chair of the Visual Arts Department, is exhibiting his work at Brian Gross Fine Art in San Francisco from January 6-March 27, 2009. The show will feature four large panels with historic photographic images repeated in rhythmic patterns. Using a Polaroid transfer technique, Dana develops the hundreds of small photographs straight onto the fibers of the canvas. The show's subjects themes include home, family, war, death, and renewal.