Despite bad-weather forecasts for the evening of April 19, the annual Art Fest came through with a beautiful sunset on a halcyon evening,  only to be outshone by the creative talents of Academy students in visual and performing arts.

From the foyer to the courtyard, the visual arts show featured student work, diverse in style and message, from students in beginning and advanced photography, drawing, and ceramics, including AP Studio.  The courtyard decorated with hanging plastic water bottles carried out the Earth theme for the show by reminding students to go green.  Junior Amanda Bell also sold jewelry made by the women she met in La Victoria on her mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

Work by beginning art classes directed the way to the Senior’s AP Studio work in the first floor lobby, which was papered with advanced-level drawings, pottery, and exquisite pieces. The focus of the evening was the art displayed along both stairwells leading to the second floor. Senior Anna Castellano’s work stole the show with her masterpiece mural covering an entire wall. Anna’s work showed her vision of the way women have been portrayed throughout the history of our country.

Sophomore Natalie Yob praised Anna’s work. “It was a really beautiful piece and it was so well done. It was all about being true to who you are and truly embracing it.”

Rounding out the performing arts part of the festival,  Academy Quarter Notes and Dance Appreciation students drew a larger than expected crowd to the Brady Center Stage, requiring audience members to carry in their own chairs for additional seating. The Quarter Notes closed the show and bid a farewell to their senior members, who were presented bouquets for their tireless contributions to Academy’s performance excellence.

Also on hand to receive congratulations for developing Academy students’ creative talents were Mrs. Sharon West, Art Department Chair, and staff Ms. Sylvia Muzquiz, Mrs. Stephanie Zummo and Ms. Linda Ruescher.