Welcome letter
Dear HSPVA Visual Art Families!
We are back and ready to go! As I reflect on last year, we had many successes in the department. The students are hardworking and dedicated. We saw so much individual artistic growth over the year. Thank you to all the parents, who support and nurture their child’s talents. I am look forward to working with the students.
We welcomed Mr. Gray as our full-time sculpture teacher and our sophomore level advocate. It was a smooth transition as he was always willing to jump into any role. He has reignited an excitement around welding and mixed media. He comes with an expertise in teaching art history at a college level! Many of his assignments brought a new energy into the students’ work including shaped canvas paintings!
Ms. Phillips was named Teacher-of-the-Year on our campus. This was an amazing accomplishment, and we are proud of her recognition among her fellow teachers. Ms. Phillips demonstrates leadership, kindness, patience and diplomacy among her colleagues and her students. She is a wonderful guide and mentor to the 9th graders, getting them acclimated to our program. Incoming students are in great hands!
Ms. Fowler stepped into the senior advocate position. She has challenged and upped the ante for our most advanced students. The seniors had some of the cleanest and most professional looking thesis shows. They were well curated, labeled and had professional statements to accompany the work. We had weekly gallery talks, where seniors explained their work to the underclass students. In addition, seniors had a culminating, pop-up show of their legacy pieces in the multi-purpose room. Ms. Fowler invited a handful of esteemed guests and alum to campus to reflect on their time. This also led to an exhibit at Jardin, a business owned by Isabel Wilson, designer and former consultant.
Lastly, I loved working with the juniors! These students had a great year. I could not have been more thrilled to return to my role as the junior level advocate. Junior year is the most fun, challenging and pivotal year. I look forward to seeing their senior shows and I am crossing my fingers for their Young Arts applications.
A few other highlights include our social at Discovery Green, our consultant celebration pop-up show and the sophomore collaboration with the music department.
We welcome new consultants Mr. Luckett (10th Grade Photography), Mr. Alvizures (Elective Welding), Ms. Bolduc (Printmaking) and Mr. Lopez (9th Grade Drawing)
This year, we are trying some new programming with our gallery. After our grade level showcases, we will have three shows that highlight different classes and mediums. These shows will be all inclusive across grade level. We want kids to participate and enter shows and add to their resume!
Among award highlights include Luna Yepez (Class of 2024) Silver Key for Fashion in Scholastics and Saj Baldwin Evans McNallan (current sophomore) was the recipient of the 2024 Texas Young Masters Award.
Sincerely and with kindness,
Mr. Waddell
