Into The Studio: Varsity Art

The Fay School Advanced Studio Art course, commonly referred to as Varsity Art or Vart, has been busy creating captivating and extensive pieces throughout the year. Mr. Claire has spearheaded this class in the past; this year, Mr. Kimball has also been teaching a section.

Students are accepted into the class following reviews of their eighth-grade art portfolios. The ninth-grade course meets the same amount of times as any other core subject, and is counted as an academic subject.

From their first sketches of Brackett House, to Conté-crayon apple still-lifes, to pastel drawings of various other still-lifes, the class has explored different media in producing 2D art. The classes have currently started work on the trademark VART big-head project. Using a grid in the style of Chuck Close’s contemporary art, they are using pencil to recreate close-ups of their heads as a large 22” by 29” grid drawing.

“It’s a great opportunity to take your natural artistic skills and bring them to the next level,” Sophia Shay ‘17 said. “You are able to find your personal technique and style through more detailed instruction from your teacher.”

“Even though the work we’re given to do can be challenging from time to time, I can always go through it with the help from my talented teachers and classmates.” Yubing Yang ‘17 said.

“Going to Vart everyday is something I look forward to. For people who love to paint, draw, or anything like that, having the time to do it is so important,” Maddie Lee ‘17 remarked. “We get to see each other’s drawing styles very often, which really gives you a sense of the person. In Vart, I feel like I’m being surrounded by friends.”

“Varsity art has been so fun this year. We are mostly working on 2D artwork, and I always get so surprised at how great my art work turns out to be,” said Sarah Zhou ‘17.

Advanced Studio Art is a new name for the class. In previous years, the class was dubbed Varsity Art, but after several discussions regarding high school applications, the class had its name changed to Advanced Studio Art. This change was made in order for students to not have to retake a ninth grade art elective upon entering high school.

Derek ‘17