30 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024 THROUGH THE STUDENT LENS school news This year, ten AQ Digital Photography students were selected to display their photographs for the 15th Annual Student Photography Show held at the world-renowned Image City Photography Gallery in downtown Rochester. The exhibition, which features a diverse range of images from students in over 20 schools, is a celebration of the unique perspectives and artistic visions of student photographers. Gallery Partner Don Menges has been the coordinator since its inception in 2010. Menges collaborates with teachers to curate the showcase, stating, “It’s challenging, but oh so rewarding when it comes together.” Each photograph o ers a unique story, eliciting a range of emotions from viewers. From vibrant landscapes to intimate portraits, every image conveys a message the student wants to share. Some students opted for black-and-white techniques, while others explored digital manipulations and colors. No two photographs are alike. Those who experienced the exhibition could sense the passion and dedication in each photograph. The display was not only visually appealing, it also evoked profound meaning. Conversations sparked by the photographs led to discussions about technique, composition, and the meaning behind the images, uniting viewers in a shared and captivating experience. Lorin Easton, AQ Department Chair of Fine Arts, remarks, “Our students have truly invested themselves in their work, and it shows. This is our seventh year participating in the show and every year, I am amazed by the stories captured by our students. They apply a range of techniques learned in class, while also infusing their personal creative styles.” Under Mrs. Easton’s guidance, these students have captured moments in time that spark curiosity for those who have the pleasure of viewing their work. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of photography and the importance of nurturing young artists as they continue to develop their craft. Aquinas Arts Week A celebration of creativity Aquinas Arts Week is a vibrant celebration of our students’ artistic air and creativity. e week’s festivities commenced with the Spring Dance Concert, where students from grades 6-12 dazzled the audience with captivating performances in a variety of dance styles, including modern, hip hop, African, jazz, tap, and more. e concert was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, and it was a joyous celebration of their accomplishments. Behind the scenes, dance instructors Kristie Schillaci and Wynton Rice beamed with pride, applauding their students’ remarkable e orts throughout the year as showcased on stage. e dance concert set a vibrant tone for the week which continued with the Visual Art Show, displaying a stunning array of artwork throughout di erent parts of the school. e exhibition featured panels of artwork from various courses, including 6th and 8th grade Visual Art, Studio Art, Drawing 1, Computer Graphics, Graphic Design & Architecture, Digital Photography, Drawing & Painting, and AP Art & Design. e ceramic and sculptural works, among other creations, re ected the dedication and passion of our students. In addition to the Visual Art Show, were the Spring Choir Concert and Band Concert, presenting the musical talents of students from grades 6-12. ese concerts provided delightful evenings of music and celebration, followed by receptions provided by the Fine Arts Boosters, allowing attendees to mingle and congratulate the performers on their outstanding performances. One of the highlights of Arts Week was the Visual Art Gala, where parents, alumni, and members of the community gathered to admire the student’s artwork. e event was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the hard work and creativity that went into each piece. is year’s Arts Week was a testament to the vibrant arts program here at Aquinas. We are immensely proud of all our students who participated and showcased their creativity and passion for the arts. Congratulations to everyone involved in making Arts Week a resounding success!
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