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The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County has made 14 awards to local artists through its Duke Energy Regional Artist Grant program.  A total of $24,500 will allow the artists to further their artistic professional development through a specific project. Award recipients include  Kate Carey (Literature/Davidson Co.), Mike Chamis (Film/Forsyth Co.), Amy da Luz (Theatre/Forsyth Co.), Owens Daniels (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.), Zach Deas (Craft/Davie Co.), Marianne DiNapoli-Mylet (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.), Nathan Ross Freeman (Film/Forsyth Co.), Kendra Harding (Music/Forsyth Co.), Cashavelly Morrison (Music/Forsyth Co.), Zach McCraw (Visual Art/Stokes Co.), David Petty (Storytelling/Forsyth Co.), Leo Rucker (Visual Art/Forsyth Co.), Jessica Singerman (Visual Art/Forsyth Co.), and Will Willner (Visual Art/Forsyth Co.). Regional artist grants are available to artists working in the disciplines of music, film, literature, dance, visual art and craft and residing in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties.  The program is sponsored by Duke Energy and supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “We are especially pleased with the variety of artistic projects that these artists will be working on this year,” said Dara Silver, Grant Program Manager for The Arts Council.  “These awards are a way The Arts Council invests in our local creative entrepreneurs by helping them move forward a project so that they can leverage additional opportunities and commissions.” Cashavelly Morrison is an American-Alt Country singer and songwriter whose debut album The Kingdom Belongs to a Child received the Independent Music Award for Best Alt Country Album.  This grant will support the completion efforts of their second album, Hunger.  “We’ve been writing and recording our second studio album for two years, and now because of this grant, we can complete the mixing, mastering, and printing to get it out into the world at a time when the songs will be particularly timely and culturally relevant. It’s support like this that makes the artistic dreams of working parents possible,” said Cashavelly Morrison. Nathan Freeman is an award winning screenwriter, director, and filmmaker.  This grant will support the production of his next feature film, Gem, about an Archangel named Gem who is involved in a prophetic story of religions at war.  Nathan said, “This award is most appreciated and will support the film needs of Gem by helping to cover costs for the local hiring of costume and design and production artists.” Jessica Singerman is an award recognized artist and received her MFA from the University of Delaware.  Her works are inspired by the poetry of nature’s changing color, light, and the passing of time.  This grant will allow her to obtain a professional photography and video equipment to support the marketing efforts of her works on her website, blog, and social media.  “This grant is an investment in the infrastructure of my career as a working artist.  It will help me to better document my work and to build my web presence.  Having an internet presence is vital for an artist because it allows them share their work worldwide.  Viewers are able to gain a deeper understanding of my work and process and it is a way to share that process with other artists who are still learning and exploring their craft.” Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play.  The Arts Council raises funds and advocates for the arts, sponsors events in conjunction with other arts organizations, promotes and funds arts education, creates cultural and learning opportunities, develops social capital and aids economic development.  Last year, The Arts Council made 98 awards totaling $1,699,500. DUKE ENERGY REGIONAL ARTIST PROJECT GRANTS (14 Awards Totaling $24,500) Zach Deas (Craft, Davie Co.) $1,000 – To apprentice with a luthier in order to learn new finishing techniques Nathan Ross Freeman (Film, Forsyth Co.) $3,000 – To produce his feature film Gem about an Archangel named Gem who is involved in a prophetic story of religions at war Kate Carey (Literature, Davidson County) $680 – To support writing residencies in order to complete her first novel, The Ginko Tree, about a small, private liberal arts college that is experiencing scandals, financial problems, and mismanagement Cashavelly Morrison (Music, Forsyth Co.) $3,500 – To assist with CD and vinyl printing of their second album, Hunger Kendra Harding (Music, Forsyth Co.) $1,000 – To compose and workshop a suite of original songs for beginner guitar students David Petty (Storytelling, Forsyth Co.) $400 – To join the NC Story Telling Guild and the National Storytelling Network and attend guild workshops Amy da Luz (Theatre, Forsyth Co.) $2,000 – To workshop and perform her original play, DEMBE, that centers around the complexities of international and interracial adoptions Mike Chamis (Theatre, Forsyth Co.) $1,000 – To continue workshopping his play, Pied Piper, a musical theatre piece for children Jessica Singerman (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.) $2,200 – To obtain professional photography and video equipment to support the marketing efforts of her artwork on her website, blog, and social media Leo Rucker (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.) $2,050 – To attend the annual Portrait Society of America Conference Marianne DiNapoli-Mylet (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.) $2,100 – To travel to DC & NY to conduct research her Go-Go Girls Project based on the Women’s Movements in the 1960’s and today Owens Daniels (Visual Art. Forsyth Co.) $2,220 – To produce an original photographic works exploring issues within the LGBTQ community Will Willner (Visual Art, Forsyth Co.) $2,050 – To create a new body of work using infrared photography on local landscapes Zach McCraw (Visual Art, Stokes Co.) $1,300 – To create two new video art pieces focusing on the theme of identity Duke Energy Regional Artist Project Grants provide financial support to committed, gifted individual artists and unincorporated groups in Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties.  Additional support comes from the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information, please contact: Dara Silver Senior Administrative Assistant, Special Projects, and Grant Program Manager 336.747.1426 dsilver@intothearts.org

Recently, SECCA and Yadkin Riverkeeper teamed up to present DANCE FOR THE RIVER, a traveling multimedia exhibit that connects audiences with the Yadkin River, the region's primary water source, through dance, photography, and video. Listen to our latest podcast where photographer Christine Rucker and Brenda Daniels, Associate Dean of Contemporary Dance at UNCSA, talk about how they used art to raise awareness for preservation of the river. Click to listen

In partnership with Forsyth County high schools and Windsor Jewelers, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to present the Student Artist of the Month. All Forsyth County high schools (private, public, and charter) that have arts programming were invited to participate in the Student Artist of the Month program. Arts educators and administrators from each school will select one student each month for recognition based on academic rigor and artistic merit.  A variety of arts disciplines will be recognized over the course of the school year. Sommer Stephens Atkins Academic & Technology High School Principal: Joe Childers SAM Coordinator: Janet Blakely Nominating Teacher: Janet Blakely Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 4.3 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I like being able to use different things you normally wouldn’t find in an art piece and have all the parts come together in the finished piece. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I want to go to Cornell University, hopefully major in Zoology, and minor in Art or Music. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Probably this year, having my art go to the Art Showcase state finals. Also winning a reflections art competition a few years ago. How will the arts influence your future career? It helps me to capture a new perspective on life. I’m able to use my creativity in projects. Especially going into Zoology, it would help me to draw sketches of the animals I study. Hayley Gladstone Calvary Day School Principal: Rick Bohner SAM Coordinator: Vera Boston Nominating Teacher: Vera Boston Arts Discipline: Theatre Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.84 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about theatre is the way a show, with all its separate components, can come together and tell a wonderful story. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I plan to attend ASU and major in Theatre and Dance Performance. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is the amount of hard work I put into every performance. I feel that I have given my absolute best and have pushed myself to become a better actress. How will the arts influence your future career? I plan to make theatre my career. Also, theatre has given me beneficial life skills, such as teamwork and better communication. oshua Gakeri Carver High School Principal: Carol Montague-Davis SAM Coordinator: Julia Puckett Nominating Teacher: Juan Eckard Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.0 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part is coming in and play music to the best of my ability. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? North Carolina A&T University. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Learning how to play the trumpet fluently in 3 months after playing other instruments. How will the arts influence your future career? It will help me get a well paid job and my music talents will help me get in to the college that I want to attend Caylen Gee East Forsyth High School Principal: Rodney Bass SAM Coordinator: Roman Brady Nominating Teacher: Greg Murphy Arts Discipline: Band Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.5 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I find it interesting and fun to approach new band material, as well as refining that which we have already learned. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? Not sure/undecided. However I would like to keep some form of band or music in my schedule regardless of where I attend. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Staying with the program for the seven years that I have (and hopefully many more), and exploring different types of playing, such as Jazz and Marching Band. How will the arts influence your future career? No matter what I end up doing for a livng, I’ll always have something that I can do, even if just a hobby, that I enjoy. Playing music, listening to music, et cetera have always been a favorite part of my day. Sam Daugherty Forsyth Country Day Head of School: Gardner Barrier SAM Coordinator: John Kildahl Nominating Teacher: Aaron Craven Arts Discipline: Orchestra Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love the feeling of reward after putting together a really tough concert. The moments in which every musician locks together make the months of practice worth it. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am attending Appalachian State University and plan on majoring in Electronic Media. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I am most proud of my work with my band, in which I taught myself how to use recording software. We spent a year working on an album of original songs, which took a lot of love to complete. I love applying what I have learned from my favorite artists and utilizing the skills to my own art. How will the arts influence your future career? I have a deep love for the arts, especially music. I would like to have a career with music in some form. Regardless of my career path, music has taught me how passion and dedication can make the largest difference in every aspect of life. Stephanie Shields Glenn High School Principal: Brad Craddock SAM Coordinator: Jonathan Miller Nominating Teacher: Carol Earnhardt Arts Discipline: Chorus Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.808 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? In Choir each piece of music has a story and when you are singing the music you become a part of the story, you feel the pain and you feel the happiness.  You practice and learn the music over a period of weeks and within that time the music becomes imbedded into your soul, in a sense, you become the music.  Another thing is the bond that you achieve with the people within the choir, for example, there’s this girl in my choir whom I never spoke to in my life until we met in choir we started talking and we automatically clicked and the bond we formed is now unbreakable.  The people in your choir become more than just choir members, they become family. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? The school I would like to attend the most is Appalachian State University and major in music production.  This is my dream major because I would like to bring people happiness everyday through the sound of music. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Over the past 4 years of my high school career I have become more musically literate.  I am now able to take a piece of music, study it, and then be able to sing it or play it on the piano.  Another major artistic accomplishment is when I performed my very first solo at our last concert at the end of my junior year.  I feel that this is a big accomplishment because I had never been the person to stand up in front of a large group of people and do something so big and so special all on my own. How will the arts influence your future career? Well, I hope to get a major in music production and then open my own or co-open my own studio in hopes to help others express themselves through their own music.  I know that I have the support from my family and my closest friends to do anything I put my mind to. Triana Trower North Forsyth High School Principal: Melita Wise SAM Coordinator: Carolina Corona Nominating Teacher: Alegria Rodriguez Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.58 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about dancing is that I’m able to create a story with my body and express myself in ways that words can’t. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am hoping to attend ASU and double major in Public Relations and Dance Education. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment was when I was elected co-captain of my school’s dance team and created my first dance for halftime at my school’s football game. How will the arts influence your future career? It will influence me to further my goals and aspirations to become a dance teacher myself, and maybe even open up a dance organization for under privileged kids. I want to inspire and motivate other dancers who have the same passion and ambition towards dance. Lauren Blevins Reagan High School Principal: Brad Royal SAM Coordinator: Jennifer Willard Nominating Teacher: Molly Harwell Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.4151 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about dance is being able to freely express all my emotions, thoughts, and ideas while not having to say a single word. Having the ability to choose a class where I can completely set aside all the chaos of school, social life, and personal life in general has brought me the greatest comfort and relief, especially during my senior year. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am attending Appalachian State University in the fall of 2018 and my intended major is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for my undergraduate studies. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment would be all the times I overcame adversity and all of the doubts I had floating in my head telling myself that I couldn’t do a dance move. I have my dance teachers Mrs. Molly Harwell, Ms. Erin Roberts, and former teacher Ms. Amanda Cook to thank for believing in me when I didn’t have enough courage to believe in myself. How will the arts influence your future career? Although I am not pursuing a career in the arts, all my life I have resorted to dancing when words could not convey how I felt. I am taking that same love I have for dance into my career by comforting patients and their families when they cannot express the pain they’re feeling. And hopefully along the way there will be many dance sessions in the midst of a patient being scared or worried so that maybe dance can mean to them what it means to me Katie Alexander Salem Academy Head of School: Mary Lorick Thompson SAM Coordinator: Maria Robinson Nominating Teacher: Joy Rushton Arts Discipline: Choral Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.17 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about choral music is how it can be both a team and individual effort. When you’re in a chorus, each singer has to work with their section, and the sections have to work together to perform each piece. While you can only control your voice, one of the most fundamental truths of choral music is teamwork. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? At this point, I am planning on attending Wake Forest University and studying Politics and International Affairs with a minor in Environmental Studies. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I have written three songs and performed two of them. How will the arts influence your future career? Because of choral music, I have grown in my creativity and confidence in performing. Those two skills will serve me well in any career where I may find myself. Christopher Jones Walkertown High School Principal: Misty Walker SAM Coordinator: Quincy Lundy Nominating Teacher: Quincy Lundy Arts Discipline: Band/Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.5 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of the this genre is meeting people that share the same interest in music as I do. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I plan to attend Winston-Salem State University and major in Music Education. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is becoming section leader of our percussion section. How will the arts influence your future career? Participating in the arts over these many has greatly influenced me and given me excellent experience toward becoming a music educator. Grace Wall West Forsyth High School Principal: Charles McAninich Nominating Teacher: Jacob Cook Arts Discipline: Choral Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.3 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I have always loved to sing, but there is something about singing with other people that makes me really happy. The unity I feel within the choral department has a very special place in my heart. Rehearsing music with some of my closest friends is something I could see myself doing forever. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am most likely going to be attending Western Carolina University and majoring in Musical Theatre. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being voted as the President for the Choral department! How will the arts influence your future career? I’m obsessed with it. I hopefully will be involved in the arts for the rest of my life. If I could sing and perform as a career it wouldn’t even feel like a job. I love impacting people lives through singing and I would love to do that forever. The Arts Council would like to thank music teacher, Danny Green, who not only initiated the Student Artist of the Month program, but is serving as the volunteer liaison between the Arts Council and the schools for this project. If you have questions or comments about this program, please contact us. Danny Green, Student Artist of the Month Program Coordinator: sam.wsfchs@gmail.com

Students from the Wiley Middle School, R.J. Reynolds High School, and Winston-Salem Civic Orchestras will present a “Benefit Concert for the Arts,” on Thursday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. in R. J. Reynolds Auditorium.  Tickets are $5.  Cash or check accepted at the door  Proceeds will benefit the Reynolds High School Orchestra and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County’s 2018 Community Fund for the Arts. The intergenerational concert will be conducted by Margaret Rehder, Youth Philharmonic Music Director at the Winston-Salem Symphony and director of the orchestra programs at Reynolds High School and Wiley Middle School.  It  will feature a variety of works including Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (1st Movement) to be performed by David Green, Reynolds High School Senior.  “Having a chance to share the stage with adults who have a lifelong passion for playing is a great opportunity for developing young musicians,” said Rehder.  “By coming together to support the arts, these students and their adult counterparts are helping build community and demonstrating that you are never too young or too old to appreciate music,” Rehder said. Jim Sparrow, President and CEO of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, expressed appreciation to the musicians for helping focus the community on the 2018 Community Fund for the Arts and the good work of the Reynolds High School Orchestra.  “These musicians from ages 11 to 65 are putting their talents to work to help support the diverse arts groups in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.  Once again, residents of our community are showing their love for the arts and proving that we are truly a city of arts and innovation,” said Sparrow. About RJ Reynolds High School and Wiley Middle School Orchestra The Reynolds and Wiley orchestras are the oldest public school orchestras in Winston-Salem. They have a rich tradition of attending orchestra competitions and earning excellent and superior ratings.  Reynolds and Wiley students have traveled to orchestra festivals in Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, VA, Atlanta, GA, Carowinds Amusement Park, and in the Bahamas on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.  Each of these schools has about 100 students in their programs.  Wiley is a STEAM magnet school and serves 6th-8th graders.  R.J. Reynolds is an “Arts for Academics” performing arts magnet school that offers a wide variety of arts and academics classes, as well as a well-rounded 9th -12th grade experience that includes sports, clubs, and lots of tradition. About Winston-Salem Civic Orchestra The mission of the Winston-Salem Civic Orchestra is to provide adult members of the community with an opportunity to enjoy playing in an orchestra, bring orchestral performances out into the community, and help provide funding for High School Orchestra Programs.  There is a fall and a spring concert series.  There are no formal auditions, and members are accepted into the orchestra after successfully participating in rehearsals with the orchestra.  Each member is encouraged to make a contribution to the R.J. Reynolds Orchestra. About The Arts Council Winston-Salem, known as “A City of Arts and Innovation,” and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play.  The Arts Council raises funds and advocates for the arts, sponsors events in conjunction with other arts organizations, promotes and funds arts education, creates cultural and learning opportunities, develops social capital and aids economic development.  Last year, The Arts Council made 98 awards totaling $1,699,500. For more information, please contact Dara Silver The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County 336-747-1426 dsilver@intothearts.org

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is showcasing student art at a Spring Arts Extravaganza, Wednesday, March 7 through Wednesday, March 14, at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in downtown Winston-Salem. The opening reception is 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, March 9. The show and the reception are both free and open to the public. Arts Extravaganza is sponsored by Modern Automotive in collaboration with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. Modern Automotive’s “Artists of the Future” contest winners and certificate recipients will be announced at the opening reception on March 9. The “Extravaganza” is one of the region’s largest and most popular art shows and features the best artwork from elementary, middle schools and high schools in the system, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Hundreds of students, parents and family members, teachers and arts enthusiasts attend. Each year The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County partners with the schools by providing “Arts in Education” grants sponsored by Wells Fargo that benefit every child in the school system. “We feel privileged to host this event at the Milton Rhodes Center and help make it possible for residents of the county to see the high level of arts instruction our students receive,”  said Jim Sparrow, President and CEO of the Arts Council.  “We believe strongly in the educational value of the arts across all disciplines. The investment that members of this community makes to arts in the schools through its contributions to The Arts Council’s Community Fund for the Arts each year is money exceedingly well spent.” Art by elementary students will be exhibited in Reynolds Place in the Milton Rhodes Center, and artwork by middle and high school students will be displayed in the Davis Gallery of the Sawtooth School, which is located in the Center as well. Modern Automotive, which has six dealerships in the region with its flagship operation, Modern Chevrolet, in Winston-Salem, will award Sawtooth School scholarships valued at $250 each to winners in each division along with a family membership to Sawtooth.  In addition, the students will appear in a TV commercial for the company.  Runners up will receive student memberships in the Sawtooth School. The art teachers of the three winners will receive certificates to purchase supplies at Dick Blick Art Materials. Opening night will have a special, hands-on art activity for kids, and children may take their work home as souvenirs. For additional information, please contact Devon MacKay The Arts Council 336.747.1417 dmackay@intothearts.org

In this month’s Creative Conversation, we are joined by artist Andrea Polli, Terry Lansdell of Clean Air Carolina and The Arts Council’s Dara Silver to talk about Particle Falls. This animated light projection on the side of the Stevens Center captures real-time air quality and converts it into a six-story tall visual display. Beautiful and informative, this public art work is the perfect example of how the arts can mesmerize us and begin important conversations within our community. Click to listen

In partnership with Forsyth County high schools and Windsor Jewelers, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to present the Student Artist of the Month. All Forsyth County high schools (private, public, and charter) that have arts programming were invited to participate in the Student Artist of the Month program. Arts educators and administrators from each school will select one student each month for recognition based on academic rigor and artistic merit.  A variety of arts disciplines will be recognized over the course of the school year. Taylor Fernald Atkins Academic & Technology High School Principal: Joe Childers SAM Coordinator: Janet Blakely Nominating Teacher: Lauren Gliot Arts Discipline: Theatre Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.8 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I enjoy working/performing with other students. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend NC State and major in Computer Programming. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My Fall Showcase performance, “Robotic Love”. How will the arts influence your future career? Performing in theater has greatly improved my communication skills. Jefferson Bercaw Bishop McGuinness High School Principal: Tracy Shaw Nominating Teacher: Alan Hirsh Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.66 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I enjoy the puzzle-aspect of music. Each song is a puzzle with melodies and harmonies that must accord with the selected chord progressions. I love to derive these progressions and craft melodies to fit them. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is the expansive list of instruments I’ve been able to learn and come to enjoy. I started with the piano in Kindergarten and continued to learn the clarinet, bass clarinet, guitar, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and yes, even the ukulele. How will the arts influence your future career? Music will provide a lifelong development of my creativity, which is vital for the success of an engineer. It will also provide an outlet where I can look forward to releasing stress and having a great time. Shelby Mozingo Calvary Day School Principal: Rick Bohner SAM Coordinator: Vera Boston Nominating Teacher: Elisa Hurst Arts Discipline: Photography Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 5.57 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite thing about photography is that it enables you to take the beauty and uniqueness of your surroundings and put them into a physical image that can be shared with others. Photography allows ordinary people to capture extraordinary things. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I hope to attend Clemson University to study biochemistry. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Some of my photos were submitted to the Dixie Classic Fair in the fall. Also, I have been taking senior photos for many of my friends which has been a lot of fun and has helped me build a portfolio. How will the arts influence your future career? I hope to keep photography as a hobby. I would like to continue to increase my knowledge and develop my personal style while in college. Anesha Sinclair Carver High School Principal: Carol Montague-Davis SAM Coordinator: Julia Puckett Nominating Teacher: Danielle Kinne Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 2.9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of dance is that it isall about being creative and that there is no limit to what can be created. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? North Carolina Central University, and I want to major in Criminal Law. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My dance technique has gotten better this year and I am dancing with persicion and depth. I have a better understanding of how to perform and what it means to really express my ideas and thoughts through movement. How will the arts influence your future career? I have learned a lot about how to collaborate, communicate and approach difficult problems with a creative mind. Julie Marker East Forsyth High School Principal: Rodney Bass SAM Coordinator: Roman Brady Nominating Teacher: Terri Hester Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.7917 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I just enjoy being able to take an image from my mind and share it with others. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? UNC Wilmington, majoring in Marine Biology. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? The fact that I’ve been able to advance my skills this far, and hopefully they will continue to develop. How will the arts influence your future career? They will allow me to see things from a creative standpoint, and I will be able to use my skills to further a cause related to Marine Biology. Christopher Atala Forsyth Country Day Head of School: Gardner Barrier SAM Coordinator: John Kildahl Nominating Teacher: Terry Hicks Arts Discipline: Choral Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.957 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of Choral Music or Choir is the way which multiple voices intertwine to create a harmonious expression of emotion. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend Wake Forest University, and Chemistry and Computer Science are both possible choices of major. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being selected for participation in the North Carolina High School Honors Chorus has been my most memorable artistic accomplishment. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future career by providing an environment of community through which I can relax and refocus; music fuels creativity in other areas of my life. Sarah Buff Glenn High School Principal: Brad Craddock SAM Coordinator: Jonathan Miller Nominating Teacher: Allison Dawkins Arts Discipline: Dance, Theatre Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.0 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Being able to express myself and my emotions through movement and connecting with others who enjoy doing the same. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend college at Appalachian State University. I am choosing to major in either Dance studies or forensic science. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Becoming Captain of the Bobcat Dance Team my senior year. How will the arts influence your future career? If I choose to major in Dance studies, I hope that will lead me to becoming a dance teacher at a high school or a college. Bianca Pender Kennedy High School Principal: Keisha Gabriel SAM Coordinator: Kaitlin Bryant Nominating Teacher: Kaitlyn Bryant Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.5 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of visual arts would be that it brings new ideas into focus, it embodies emotions that may or may not trigger a feeling in a person, and because art has the unique ability to transcend time. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? The Philadelphia Academy for Makeup and Special Effects. Special effects makeup. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Creating art that has emotional construct that people are able to appreciate. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future career heavily as I am a visual artist that utilizes body art since I hope to become a professional special effects makeup artist or body painter. Giselle Gonzalez-Garcia Mount Tabor High School Principal: Ed Weiss Nominating Teacher: Alice Morley Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.6 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I really love that there is no right or wrong when it comes to art. You can just be creative. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I hope to attend Queens University of Charlotte to major in Graphic Design. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Last year I was honored and proud to be an honorable mention in the Scholastics. How will the arts influence your future career? I plan to have a career in graphic design, where I would use my art skills and creativity everyday. Maria P. Granados North Forsyth High School Principal: Melita Wise SAM Coordinator: Carolina Corona Nominating Teacher: Erin Roberts Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 10 GPA/QPA: 4.0 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of the dance discipline is being able to express myself through movements and show others the hard work and dedication we have to put into the dance. Also, the adrenaline feeling when I’m performing . Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I’m planning to attend either Salem College or UNCG and pursue a major in International Business. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment so far is being able to participate twice in the dance concert. Additionally, improving my dance techniques, flexibility, and balance . How will the arts influence your future career? Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Ruth St. Denis, Josephine Baker and all these powerful women totally inspire me. The fact they were able to leave their print in the world even in a time where women were discriminated makes me believe everything is possible if you make an effort. They set an example for all young ladies and women in the world, including me. I want to be different and reach my goals. Sometimes you need to stand out of the pile, make some changes, work hard for what you want and I think that’s definitely something that will influence my future career . Zayne Tolentino Parkland High Schools Principal: Spencer Hardy SAM Coordinator: Tara Hauser Nominating Teacher: Nina Anderson Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.2 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love the creativity and freedom of the class and the different kinds of art thought. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I will most likely go to UNCG, possibly majoring in biochemistry. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I always had trouble with color and when I got watercolor color pencils. I practiced relentlessly and I became happy with all the work I put in them. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts have always helped my mind unwind and distress, which would be very helpful in a work intensive job in the medical field. Stephanie Erhart Reagan High School Principal: Brad Royal SAM Coordinator: Jennifer Willard Nominating Teacher: Robert Johnston Arts Discipline: Trumpet/Band Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 5.083 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of  my genre is being abe to perform with honor bands because they’re a lot of fun and also educational at the same time. I also love that my instrument allows me to be diverse in the types of ensembles I can participate in. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend college at the University of Toronto, with plans to major in applied mathematics with a concentration in epidemiology. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is being selected to perform in the NC All State Orchestra. It was a wonderful experience to be able to work with so many talented students from all across the state. How will the arts influence your future career? I can’t say if the arts will necessarily influence my career, however all these years have taught me many important skills such as discipline, dedication, persistence, and many more. Music is definitely something that will always be important to me, regardless of my career. Yurri Urrutia Reynolds High School Principal: Leslie Alexander SAM Coordinator: Karen Morris Nominating Teacher: Margaret Rehder Arts Discipline: Violin/Piano Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.42 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of the arts genre I was nominated for (primarily Piano), would be the large selection of repertoire available for its discipline. As a soloist, I’m not constricted to one musical genre but instead have a wide array of music to choose from, stretching from the Baroque period all the way to the Romantic era and some 21st century music; each with their own difficulties and opportunities for growth. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend college at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where I would major in piano performance. My current teacher is a Professor at the conservatory and I would like to remain under his guidance to build a stronger foundation as a pianist. I’d be immersed amongst other talented individuals where the piano department’s competitiveness will help in expanding my growth. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My greatest artistic accomplishment would definitely be the instance where my piano instructor forgave me for the previous comments and judgment he made when I first auditioned to play under his guidance. Having started to play the piano at sixteen years of age, Dr. Shteinberg deemed it impossible for me to pursue a career as a pianist and for my own sake, to disregard such fantasies. Though it was devastating at the time, it motivated me to try even harder. Eventually, at around a year being mentored by him, he told me of how wrong he was. He was astonished at how much we’ve covered and progressed for such a small amount of time and was anxious to see the type of pianist i’d become in a few years time. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will always be a part of not only my future career, but also a very important aspect of my life. Whether I make it as a concert pianist or become a piano professor at a music conservatory, I will continue to spread my knowledge with the instrument and teach growing pianists not only to play, but also to value and appreciation the music which they’re playing. Ana Grace Sapp Salem Academy Head of School: Mary Lorick Thompson SAM Coordinator: Maria Robinson Nominating Teacher: Maria Robinson Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.69 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Although I paint, sculpt, and draw, I have recently spent my artistic time in the area of photography.  For me, photography brings together both my creative and scientific sides into one endeavor.  My favorite subject is wildlife, and I try to capture powerful images which will, in turn, motivate viewers to value the conservation and preservation of our natural resources, including wildlife.  Recently, a collection of my wildlife and landscape photographs was exhibited at Hanging Rock State Park. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I have applied to a number of our in-state universities, as well as to colleges which focus solely on the environmental sciences, including SUNY Environmental Sciences/Forestry.  It is my plan to study wildlife biology/conservation, but at the same time continue to develop my photography skills, combining my interests in science with my passion for the power of the photographic image. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? After studying conservation photography last summer in Ecuador, I was invited, along with four high-school students, to present the photography from our summer workshop at the International League of Conservation Photographers’ annual conference, Wild Speak.  Held at the Carnegie Institute for Science in Washington D.C., the conference featured a number of talented conservation  photographers and their work; a number of them had even been featured in National Geographic. To be included among these accomplished professionals at this conference is one of my proudest  moments. This experience also shaped my vision of how I can combine science and art into a career of conservation advocacy. How will the arts influence your future career? The powerful and creative images of nature, as expressed through photography, have the potential to influence the dialogue on preservation and conservation of our natural world.  It is my dream to use photography, both my technical skills and artistic eye, to foster conservation.  In fact, I hope to be a conservation photographer, using both my scientific knowledge and my photographic skills in a career of travel, research, and documentation of the world’s endangered resources, specifically wildlife. Maleek Slade UNCSA Dean: Brian Cole SAM Coordinator: Brock Snyder Nominating Teacher: Kelly Maxner Arts Discipline: Drama Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.51 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of Drama is the recreation of life, and the power of storytelling that comes with it. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would actually like to attend UNCSA again. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment would have to be collaborating witty contemporary dance majors on incredible pieces in this years Fall Dance. How will the arts influence your future career? I want to pursue a professional career in acting and theater, so arts, and attending an arts conservatory this year has been even more of a huge influence in discovering what I want to do in the future as well as providing countless opportunities. Jasmin Ashford Walkertown High School Principal: Misty Walker SAM Coordinator: Quincy Lundy Nominating Teacher: Krista N. Justice Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.45 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of taking dance is getting to participate in the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts. I enjoy this part of class, because my classmates and I have the opportunity to showcase our hardwork over the semester. My favorite style of dance, in the concerts, would be contemporary, because I prefer doing emotionally connected movements that fit the message of the song; however, jazz is a close second preference, due to the fact that my dramatic personality can shine. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I will be attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall of 2018 to major in pre-medicine. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Artist of the Month two years in a row. It tells me that I am meeting the goals expected of me and that my teacher notices my hard work ethic. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future for the better, because I will not only have knowledge of the dancers who paved the way for me, but I will feel comfortable, prepared, and confident if I ever decide to attend adult dance classes or try out for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Dance Team. Samantha Graham West Forsyth High School Principal: Charles McAninich Nominating Teacher: Nathan Newsome Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.7/4.37 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Creating high contrast with vibrant colors and value change. I love expressing my emotions through colors and type of brush strokes. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I will most likely attend a four year Universtiy and earn a masters degree in Speech Pathology. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being able to express my emotions through color and values. My charcoal works express more extreme emotions and my painting express joyful moments in life. How will the arts influence your future career? I would love contine art throughout my life to help share emotions and feeling to others. Even though I do not want to have a career in art, I would love to continue art as a side job. Faith Faircloth Winston-Salem Christian School Head of School: Bryan Wolfe Principal: Isaac Deaton Nominating Teacher: Amanda Redmon Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 10 GPA/QPA: 2.6 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love to express myself and adding pops of color to everything I do. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would love to attend UNC School of the Arts. I would major in animation. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I think my proudest artistic accomplishment is a portrait I drew of a girl with an octopus in her mouth. It was a unique, fun project. How will the arts influence your future career? I would like to be an animator, so hopefully the arts will be very influential!. The Arts Council would like to thank music teacher, Danny Green, who not only initiated the Student Artist of the Month program, but is serving as the volunteer liaison between the Arts Council and the schools for this project. If you have questions or comments about this program, please contact us. Danny Green, Student Artist of the Month Program Coordinator: sam.wsfchs@gmail.com

Particle Falls: Downtown Public Art Light Installation The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County in partnership with the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and Clean Air Carolina will sponsor a multi-story public art light installation in downtown Winston-Salem beginning Thursday, February 22 and ending March 24.  The display is free and open to the public.  Best viewing is the corner of West 4th Street and Spruce Street any evening from February 22 – March 24 beginning at dusk. “Over the last several years, public art light shows in downtown Winston-Salem have entertained and captivated diverse audiences.  It’s an accessible art form for the entire community that can engage dialogue on current issues such as the environment and its effects on our health.  This display – Particle Falls – is one the community will not want to miss,” said Jim Sparrow, President and CEO of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The installation created by artist Andrea Polli is an animated, colorful light projection that will reflect real-time air quality on West 4th Street using a scientific air monitoring device, specialized computer software, and a high-powered light projector.  Colored lights projected on the eight-story, west wall of the Stevens Center represent the amount of harmful particle pollution in the air at any given moment. Polli, professor of art and ecology at the University of New Mexico, describes the piece as “a large-scale public art installation that acts as a monitor, an alarm and a thing of beauty all at the same time by using particulate air pollution as a basis for a cascading waterfall/lightshow flowing down the side of a building.” Volunteers will be on-site on Thursday through Saturday evenings to engage the public about the projection and inform them about more environmentally friendly transportation options available in the Triad and across the state. The public is invited to attend an Artist Talk and Panel Discussion on Friday, February 23 at 4:30 p.m. at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce Street.  The artist, Andrea Polli will discuss her work “Particle Falls.”  Panelists will include David Finn, Artist, Professor of Art, WFU & Chair of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Public Art Commission; June Blotnick, Executive Director, Clean Air Carolina; Dr. Stephanie Dance-Barnes, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, WSSU; and Wendell Hardin, Sustainability Manager, City of Winston-Salem.  This event is free and open to the public.  RSVPs are requested to dsilver@intothearts.org. The installation will complement Clean Air Carolina’s NC BREATHE conference that will be held March 8 at Wake Forest University Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education.  The conference is free for students and $25 for individuals.  Learn more about the conference at https://cleanaircarolina.org/ncbreathe2018/. “Particle Fall” has been displayed internationally most notably in Paris at the 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate Change.  The Winston-Salem installation is sponsored by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, Clean Air Carolina, Piedmont Triad Regional Council, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Flow Motors, Grubb Properties, Hanesbrands Inc., and the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, with funding from North Carolina Department of Transportation. Learn more at www.particlefallsws.org and interact on social media using #PARTICLEFALLSWS. About Andrea Polli Andrea Polli, professor of art and ecology at the University of New Mexico, is an environmental artist working at the intersection of art, science and technology.  Her interdisciplinary research has been presented as public artworks, media installations, community projects, performances, broadcasts, mobile and geolocative media, publications, and through the curation and organization of public exhibitions and events.  She creates artworks designed to raise awareness of environmental issues.  Often these works express scientific data obtained through her collaborations with scientists and engineers and have taken the form of sound art, vehicle-based works, public light works, mobile media experiences, and bio-art and design. https://sites.google.com/andreapolli.com/main/bio About the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center is part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University and advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, green energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu. Twitter: @NCCleanTech About Clean Air Carolina Founded in 2003 by a group of volunteers determined to improve the quality of Mecklenburg County’s air, Clean Air Carolina now champions statewide initiatives to improve North Carolina’s air quality to exceed that of current federal standards.  Energized by the research-proven fact that even the smallest air pollutants are toxic to our health, and by the urgency of pollution-induced climate change, Clean Air Carolina is committed to advancing its mission of ensuring cleaner air quality for all North Carolinians through education and advocacy and by working with its partners to reduce sources of pollution. For more information about Clean Air Carolina, visit: https://cleanaircarolina.org. Twitter: @cleanairNC About Piedmont Triad Regional Council The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) is a voluntary association of local governments – urban and rural – serving 74 municipalities and counties. PTRC serves the region by administering programs related to aging, criminal justice, housing, regional planning, SBA lending, workforce development, and more. The Planning Department serves as a planning resource by using an interdisciplinary approach to develop creative solutions to complex local and regional planning issues, with an emphasis on the environmental, social, and economic well-being of the Piedmont Triad Region.  For more information about Piedmont Triad Regional Council, visit: http://www.ptrc.org. Twitter: @PTRCPlanningEcD About the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Winston-Salem, known as a City of Arts and Innovation, and Forsyth County have a robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition they continue to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play.  The Arts Council raises funds and advocates for the arts, sponsors events in conjunction with other arts organizations, promotes and funds arts education, creates cultural and learning opportunities, develops social capital and aids economic development.  For more information about the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, visit: Twitter: @ArtsCouncilWS. For more information contact: Dara Silver The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County 336-747-1426 dsilver@intothearts.org

On Monday, January 29, 2018, nearly 200 people gathered at the Hanesbrands Theatre to kick-off the new 2018 Community Fund for the Arts campaign, and hear guest speaker Kevin Buist, Director of Exhibitions at ArtPrize – the largest public art festival in the world. ArtPrize takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a community about the size of Winston-Salem, and attracts more than 500,000 attendees, generating $28 million in annual economic impact. ArtPrize serves as a great example of what a community can do to disrupt current models of how a community can support the arts and broaden arts audiences. We hope that everyone who attended left inspired to think about unique ways in which this community can evolve its support for the arts. To hear more of Kevin Buist’s message, please listen to our podcast with him. Our 2018 co-chairs, Cheryl Lindsay Director, Human Resources & Inclusion/Diversity at Hanesbrands, and Bill Benton, chief executive of Salem Senior Housing also announced The Arts Council’s goal to raise $2.5 million in sustainable support for the arts in Forsyth County. The campaign will run through the end of The Arts Council’s fiscal year, September 30, 2018. Over the course of the next eight months, The Arts Council will conduct nearly 50 workplace campaigns, including major employers like WS/FCS, Wake Baptist Medical Center, Novant, and Wake Forest University, and appeal to thousands of individuals and companies to support grant programs that provide operational support for 25 cultural partners, 36,000 experiences through arts programs in the schools, grants to artists at a pivotal point in the career, and much more. Please consider helping us by making a donation, helping to start a workplace campaign, or volunteering.

Lauren Duncan and Amy Jordan Kincaid of Sawtooth School with Dr. Beth Fain of WSSU join Jim Sparrow to discuss innovative collaborations that are addressing community needs through the arts. The conversation focuses on a partnership between the organizations and El Buen Pastor to develop the verbal and cognitive skills of Pre-K Latino children and their mothers. Click to listen

In partnership with Forsyth County high schools and Windsor Jewelers, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to present the Student Artist of the Month. All Forsyth County high schools (private, public, and charter) that have arts programming were invited to participate in the Student Artist of the Month program. Arts educators and administrators from each school will select one student each month for recognition based on academic rigor and artistic merit.  A variety of arts disciplines will be recognized over the course of the school year. Ben Armentrout Atkins Academic & Technology High School Principal: Joe Childers SAM Coordinator: Janet Blakely Nominating Teacher: Justin Sumners Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 10 GPA/QPA: 4.0/4.5 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love being able to jam with my fellow musicians and just make great sounds. Jazz music is definitely my favorite because it gives me more opportunity to improve and be creative. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend MIT and major in a math-intensive engineering. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is being selected to be the pianist for the Camel City Youth Jazz Orchestra. How will the arts influence your future career? Although I will not pursue a career in music, I hope it will still continue to be a part of my life as I move on from high school. Timmy Kammire Bishop McGuinness High School Principal: Tracy Shaw Nominating Teacher: Martha Garrett Arts Discipline: Pottery Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 4.3 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? In pottery, I thoroughly enjoy how each and everyday you learn something new and are constantly challenged. The atmosphere is always enthusiastic and very lively in my class, adding to the reasons why pottery is passion of mine. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I plan to attend either Clemson University, University of Florida, or San Diego State University. I hope to major in either Business Management or Entrepreneurship. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I have to say the proudest moment of mine in Pottery would be the day I was able to center the clay on the potters’ wheel, in just a few seconds. This was a goal I had hoped to achieve and was proud of accomplishing. How will the arts influence your future career? Pottery has influenced my future career by giving me a sense of innovation, that I was not aware I had. In pottery you have to work efficiently and with creativity to excel, which motivates me in the future to not only work hard, but with delicate care. Brandon Kearse Carver High School Principal: Carol Montague-Davis SAM Coordinator: Julia Puckett Nominating Teacher: Juan Eckard Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.3 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Enjoying the different sounds and how when they come together the sound is very melodic. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? Bethune-Cookman University. Music or IT. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Continuing to learn to play different instruments. How will the arts influence your future career? Music is becoming diverse so it hopefully take me all over the world should I continue to pursue it to the fullest. I would like to have an impact on other young minds by showing them the many opportunities music can provide. Briana Tabor East Forsyth High School Principal: Rodney Bass SAM Coordinator: Roman Brady Nominating Teacher: Dawn Shopshire Swaim Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of the arts is how you can express everything your feeling for your past your present and your future. And in modern dance you get to express every raw emotion with no boundaries. And I think that’s beautiful. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend UNC Greensboro or NYU for college. They are both very big in the arts and it is something I am planning on pursuing through my life. I would like to major in creative writing, theater, dance, or teaching. I would also love to travel and maybe look into an exchange student program. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I haven’t been dancing long, but I would say my proudest artistic accomplishment is when your dancing and you can feel the music speak to you and all the sudden it’s not just movement but a language I speak. One day in dance class we were doing an identity project and everyone was practicing and I got into the movement like I never have before a couple tears were shed from me, and everyone got quiet and just watched and I expressed who I am through dance. That is my proudest artistic accomplished so far. How will the arts influence your future career? My plan is to be as involved in dance as I can be. It’s a therapy for me. And I want people to be able to look at the world and see the beauty. And the best way I can do that is to be apart of the arts. Weather that mean I’m writing poetry and dancing for people or even acting. It’s a dream I have always felt I am obligated to portray for people. Andrew Claybrook Forsyth Country Day Head of School: Gardner Barrier SAM Coordinator: John Kildahl Nominating Teacher: Aaron Craven Arts Discipline: Orchestra Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.2 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part is the performance – getting to share the music we’ve worked on with others. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I don’t have a #1 choice, but I am interested in Appalachian State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Davidson College. At all three, I want to study some combination of political science and English. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Deciding to learn double bass after playing trombone for six years. I’m proud of the relatively short time I took for me to learn to play. How will the arts influence your future career? While I don’t plan to major in music, playing has provided a discipline, patience, and a methodical nature that will help me no matter what I pursue. Sarah Bluff Glenn High School Principal: Brad Craddock SAM Coordinator: Jonathan Miller Nominating Teacher: Allison Dawkins Arts Discipline: Dance, Theatre Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.0 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Being able to express myself and my emotions through movement and connecting with others who enjoy doing the same. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend college at Appalachian State University. I am choosing to major in either Dance studies or forensic science. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Becoming Captain of the Bobcat Dance Team my senior year. How will the arts influence your future career? If I choose to major in Dance studies, I hope that will lead me to becoming a dance teacher at a high school or a college. Giselle Salina-Medina Kennedy High School Principal: Keisha Gabriel SAM Coordinator: Kaitlin Bryant Nominating Teacher: Kaitlyn Bryant Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? What I like most about Visual arts is the different projects we do. It’s a variety of things, and all require different techniques and different mediums. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I don’t know where I want to go to college yet, but I have my sights set on majoring in Graphic  design. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My cubism project, because I sorta just throw random colors and just did a bunch of random stuff without thinking it through, and it came out looking pretty neat. How will the arts influence your future career? I actually want to major in the art department, it actually will be pretty important in the future. Lauren Kochy Mount Tabor High School Principal: Ed Weiss Nominating Teacher: Colin Choat Arts Discipline: Band Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.2 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of Band is being able to create music with students who are as passionate as I am in a way that truly moves the audience. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? My first choice for school is Western Carolina University for Music Education. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is my acceptance and completion of the 2017 session of NC Governor’s School East as an instrumental Music student. How will the arts influence your future career? My career path has been laid out as a music educator due to the positive impact of arts programs on my life. As such, the arts have everything to do with my future. Nathan Russell Parkland High School Principal: Spencer Hardy SAM Coordinator: Tara Hauser Nominating Teacher: Tara Hauser Arts Discipline: Theatre Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 4.33 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about being in Theater is the improvisation that we do, because you never know what is going to happen, and you can make it very funny. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am still deciding on College, but I am interested in Appalachian state and Wake Forest. I would like to major in something that is art related, but I am not sure. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being in the Nutcracker for six years in a row as a party boy. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future career, in that it has taught me to work with other people in a creative setting and use my creative problem solving skills. I do plan on having a career in the arts, either with comedic writing or with music. Gabriela Giulumian Reagan High School Principal: Brad Royal SAM Coordinator: Jennifer Willard Nominating Teacher: Erin Roberts Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of dance is being able to share my passion and emotion with everyone watching.  I also enjoy feeling free while doing it and being on the stage making memories with my friends. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I will most likely attend UNC Chapel Hill or Wake Forest, and I would either major in biology, psychology, or dance, and I definitely want to try to make my college’s dance team. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest achievement is when I was dancing at a competition last year, and I brought the audience to tears. I felt like I was really doing my job being able to share emotion and the love for what I do to the audience. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future career because I want to hopeful be able to teach and pass on my love to future generations. Dance is also a way for me to channel my stress and emotions into something beautiful, and if I can share that with other people maybe this can help encourage peace. Chelsea Hignite Reynolds High School Principal: Leslie Alexander SAM Coordinator: Karen Morris Nominating Teacher: Amelia Hailey Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 4.92 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love being able to be completely myself when I am dancing and when I am taking a dance class. I have met my lifelong best friends and favorite teachers ever through dance. The ability to build relationships with others that also share your same passion and love is unlike anything else. Dance is a way for me to forget about anything that is currently stressing me out and enjoy myself. I am so thankful for dance and all of the happiness that it brings me. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am currently hoping to major in pre-med studies with a minor in dance. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is being chosen to perform a solo in the RJR 2016 Spring dance concert. There were only a few soloists in the concert and I was so honored to be selected as one of them. The theme of the concert was “the movies” and my solo was to “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio. I loved the movie when I was younger and still remembered all of the words to the song. I was so excited to have been chosen as a soloist and absolutely loved performing in the dance concert. It is one of my favorite memories and my proudest accomplishment in terms of dance How will the arts influence your future career? In the future I want to continue to dance as much as possible. Although I do not currently plan on trying to join a company or do anything in a professional field with dance, I do plan on teaching or taking dance classes on a regular basis. Dance makes me so happy and I do not know what I would do without it. I hope to dance as often as possible for as long as possible no matter what my future career is. Riley Cullen Salem Academy Head of School: Mary Lorick Thompson SAM Coordinator: Maria Robinson Nominating Teacher: Kerry Lawson Arts Discipline: Theatre Arts Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.6 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love being onstage and sharing my talent with other people. I hope that my performances inspire them to pursue theatre like I have. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy for musical theatre or I would like to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and double major in political science and performing arts. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? y proudest artistic accomplishment was being accepted into The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. This just showed me that my hard work pays off! How will the arts influence your future career? I hope to someday either be on Broadway or in the White House. By doing theatre now, that will prepare me for Broadway. Politics also involve theatre, so this also prepares me for campaigns. Abby Martin Walkertown High School Principal: Misty Walker SAM Coordinator: Quincy Lundy Nominating Teacher: Nina Street Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.0 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love how beautiful and captivating Art can be, and also how it enriches lives and can be comforting to people. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend Greensboro College majoring in Studio Art. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My Proudest accomplishment was receiving first place for the school in the Dixie Classic Fair and being selected to compete in the Artizan. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts influence me greatly as I am planning on becoming an illustrator. Grayson Fulp West Forsyth High School Principal: Charles McAninich Nominating Teacher: Renae Hubbard Arts Discipline: Theatre Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 4.09 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? There are a lot of things that I love about Theater, but one part that I never fais to make everything worth it is at curtain call, when everyone in the audience and onstage applauds and celebrates your effort and your accomplishments. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? Somewhere such as UNCG, where I could pursue a BFA degree in Acting or Design and Technical Production. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Having the guts to audition for my very first High School play, The Tempest. How will the arts influence your future career? If I get my way, my career will be entirely focused on the arts. I’m still undecided as to what precisely I want to to with my life, but what I do know is that I love Theater and I want to continue doing it forever. Jyuana Gray Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy Principal: Reggie Hunt SAM Coordinator: Shanice Bullock Nominating Teachers: Shanice McKinney, Paul Evans, Yvette Matthews Phiffer, Inkem Kaizen, Cameron Snyder Arts Discipline: Visual Art Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.04 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about Visual Art is the bond that we share in the class. There is never a dull moment in there. Mr. Evans is very helpful and he always looks out for other students. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I want to attend UNC Charlotte and would like to major in Criminal Justice. I hope to be a Defense Attorney or Criminologist. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? The collage that I submitted for the Dixie Classic Fair. It was about Domestic Violence. I put a lot of time into it and it was something that I can relate too. I’ve seen different people go through it and I feel like people around me should be aware of it. How will the arts influence your future career? I don’t currently have a direct connection between visual art and criminal justice. However, I have been enrolled in art class since the 8th grade and I really appreciate the bond that I have created with Mr. Evans. The Arts Council would like to thank music teacher, Danny Green, who not only initiated the Student Artist of the Month program, but is serving as the volunteer liaison between the Arts Council and the schools for this project. If you have questions or comments about this program, please contact us. Danny Green, Student Artist of the Month Program Coordinator: sam.wsfchs@gmail.com

In partnership with Forsyth County high schools and Windsor Jewelers, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to present the Student Artist of the Month. All Forsyth County high schools (private, public, and charter) that have arts programming were invited to participate in the Student Artist of the Month program. Arts educators and administrators from each school will select one student each month for recognition based on academic rigor and artistic merit. A variety of arts disciplines will be recognized over the course of the school year. Alexandra Schram Atkins Academic & Technology High School Principal: Joe Childers Nominating Teacher: Caroline Smith Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I enjoy dancing because it allows me to escape from stress, anxiety, judgment, etc. and express myself by focusing all of my energy in the movements. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend college at either UNCSA, UNC Greensboro, or Elon University. My major might be dance, exercise science, or physical therapy. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I auditioned and was accepted to attend UNC School of the Arts for a five-week summer ballet intensive. I am training to compete at Youth America Grand Prix, the largest student ballet competition. How will the arts influence your future career? I plan to be very involved in the arts in the future, whether that’s dancing for a company, taking more dance classes, or attending shows. Dancing is my passion and I want to carry out my dreams in the field. Anthony Cancro Bishop McGuinness High School Principal: Tracy Shaw Nominating Teacher: Alan Hirsh Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.31 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of the arts genre in which I was selected is playing, practicing, and performing the piano. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I am currently deciding which college I will attend, but I know that I will major in Music Education. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is a piece I performed last year at a benefit concert for the music department at my school. It was the hardest piece I had ever attempted, and I did not by any means play it perfectly, but I was very proud of myself for being able to perform it. How will the arts influence your future career? I plan to be a music teacher, so obviously the arts will have a huge impact on my every day life in this career. I plan to spread my love for music to as many people I can, so the arts will influence this career by being a part of me that I can share with others. Kailey House Calvary Day School Principal: Rick Bohner SAM Coordinator: Vera Boston Nominating Teacher: Stephanie Weiser Arts Discipline: Studio Art Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.92 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I enjoy getting to create all different kinds of paintings and drawings in the style I choose. Painting is my favorite, but being in Studio Art allows me do a lot of different projects in a range of media. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? My goal is to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I want to study business. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment would be winning a Silver Key in Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. How will the arts influence your future career? Art will influence my future career by allowing me see all different aspects of the business world. It will let me see that there are many sides and approaches to a problem or topic. Also, it will help me be able to think outside the box when looking for a solution. Brylie Branham East Forsyth High School Principal: Rodney Bass SAM Coordinator: Roman Brady Nominating Teacher: Tiffany C. Burgess Arts Discipline: Theatre Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? Though backstage is so much fun, there is no better feeling than taking a bow after a wonderful show. Call me selfish but the applause that comes after a smooth show as you run out to take your bow is a feeling like no other. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I have a couple of top schools like UVA, Tennessee, or UNC-Chapel Hill. I want to major in political science and US History then get a law degree in constitutional law. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being inducted into the International Thespian Society was by far my proudest accomplishment, not only in theater but in life. It took not only hard work but commitment to the arts and my theatre department to reach this goal that I have to set for myself.  As soon as I heard about ITS in my first drama club meeting my freshman year I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. How will the arts influence your future career? Being in the Arts has brought me closer to people who will push me to success and and long inspire me but most importantly it has helped me find my voice and has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. As an aspiring politician, there are necessary things that I will forever thank theatre for. Mia Connors Glenn High School Principal: Brad Craddock SAM Coordinator: Jonathan Miller Nominating Teacher: Jonathan Miller Arts Discipline: Band Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.5 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of band is how much of a family all of us are, and how we all just know how to talk to each other and “get along”. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I’d love to attend UNCG and get some kind of liberal arts degree. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? One time I wrote a paper that the teacher liked so much I got a 125% on it. And I’ve been first chair clarinet since middle school. How will the arts influence your future career? I’m going to continue to learn different instruments and probably write a super great novel at some point. Bella Strause Kennedy High School Principal: Keisha Gabriel SAM Coordinator: Kaitlin Bryant Nominating Teacher: Kaitlyn Bryant Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.875 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I enjoy how I’m able to create. It doesn’t matter if it’s a drawing, painting, or 3D mediums, so long as I can attempt to take what I see in my head and make it real. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? My top college choice is UNC Asheville with a major in math. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? In visual arts my proudest work would be a notecard drawing I made with markers. I can’t really describe it. How will the arts influence your future career? he arts will help me see the world a little differently, I may plan to be a doctor but I want to live in a small town with a lot of local businesses and shops you can’t find in a big city. I want to live somewhere unique and I want it to have artists, I love art that’s free and wild. Amie Villalobos North Forsyth High School Principal: Melita Wise SAM Coordinator: Carolina Corona Nominating Teacher: Christina Parrish Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 9 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of this genre is being able to express my creativity in a fun and calming way. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend UNCG and major in Interior Design. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment is winning first place at the Dixie Classic Fair exhibition. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will heavily influence my future career. Interior Design follows most, or all of the principles in Visual Arts. Hassan Niang Parkland High School Principal: Spencer Hardy SAM Coordinator: Tara Hauser Nominating Teacher: Stacey Pelsinger Arts Discipline: Theatre Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.62 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love to act and become different people on stage. I also love the creative freedom that we have in expressing different ideas to the audience. Tech theatre. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would really like to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. I would like to study biology and also major in theatre if my schedule and workload allows it. If not I would minor in theatre. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment was getting awards at the end of the year (2016-2017) for my work that I had shown throughout that year. How will the arts influence your future career? With me wanting to study biology and theatre I would like to find ways to improve your performance. On Broadway you have 7 or 8 shows a week so finding a way to keep your stamina up to the fullest. Matthew Mottesheard Reagan High School Principal: Brad Royal SAM Coordinator: Jennifer Willard Nominating Teacher: Kenny Tysor Arts Discipline: Music Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 4.882 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of playing the trombone is performing with a multitude of musical groups. I have performed with many school, community, county, district, region, state, and national marching bands, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, and orchestras throughout my years in middle and high school. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend NC State University and pursue a degree in engineering. I look forward to exploring the various types of engineering. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being selected as 1 of 200 students for the Bands of America National Honors Marching Band is my proudest musical accomplishment. With this honor, I marched with students from across the nation in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. How will the arts influence your future career? Although I do not plan to major or minor in music, it will always play an important role in my life. I will continue to seek opportunities to express my creativity through music. Laia Tran Reynolds High School Principal: Leslie Alexander SAM Coordinator: Karen Morris Nominating Teacher: Ashley Hurst Arts Discipline: Visual Arts Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.56/4.04 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of Visual Arts is being hands on with my work. It allows me to have a fell for the right materials. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend Salem College and my majors would’ve in fine arts and in business/entrepreneurship. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment would be receiving a FIVE on my AP portfolio for 2017. In seventh grade I was the only person to receive a gold key at my school for my mixed media piece. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts would influence me to be a Graphic Designer and/or a book illustration. Julia Ellis Salem Academy Head of School: Mary Lorick Thompson Nominating Teacher: Joy Rushton Arts Discipline: Chorus Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.52/4.09 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I really enjoy music as an art form. Singing in groups and as a solo vocalist is also very fun and lovely to me. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would most like to attend Berry College, and I either want to major in Biology or Anthropology and minor in Computer Science. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? When I got into Spirit, my school’s audition only singing group at the end of my sophomore year. How will the arts influence your future career? Though I am not really thinking about pursuing the arts in my future career, I think it will help me view ideas from different perspectives, and always keep a song with me wherever I go. Jace Weyant UNCSA Dean: Brian Cole SAM Coordinator: Brock Snyder Nominating Teacher: Brenda Daniels Arts Discipline: Contemporary Dance Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.68 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? I love being able to create an atmosphere is a space and the ability to affect a mood in an audience. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend Bard for Dance and Mathematics. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment was being one of the first minors to be cast in a Footprints piece at the American Dance Festival. How will the arts influence your future career? I would like to work as a freelance choreographer in New York. Britney Culver Walkertown High School Principal: Misty Walker SAM Coordinator: Quincy Lundy Nominating Teacher: Hendricks Arts Discipline: Chorus Grade: 12 GPA/QPA: 3.7 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part about chorus is meeting new people that eventually turn into great friends. I love helping out in chorus as much as I can; whether it is helping a friend with learning new terms or helping someone read music. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend Wingate university and I want to major in communication studies and mass media. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? My proudest artistic accomplishment would be getting small solos in our schools first musical/one act called “don’t count your chickens until they cry wolf”. We have wanted to do some sort of musical for a while now and when our theatre director told us we were going to do a small musical, I got so excited. With weeks of after school rehearsals it was worth it at the end. It wasn’t any major solo, but I still had a blast. How will the arts influence your future career? The arts will influence my future career by helping me develop into a better person as I move on in life. So far the arts have helped me develop my personality and my character and I am forever grateful for the arts and the people who have helped me improve in the arts. Marissa Varoutsos West Forsyth High School Principal: Charles McAninich Nominating Teacher: Lisa Cook Arts Discipline: Dance Grade: 11 GPA/QPA: 3.8125 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? My favorite part of dancing is the ability to express myself with something other than words.. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? I would like to attend NC State to possibly major in Biology to go into Physical Therapy. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? I am the most proud of myself when I win top score awards at my dance competitions. How will the arts influence your future career? Dance has changed my life to make me more outgoing and open to new things and these foundations will help me through anything I choose to pursue. Delana Payne Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy Principal: Reggie Hunt SAM Coordinator: Shanice Bullock Nominating Teachers: Shanice McKinney, Paul Evans, Yvette Matthews, Inkem Kaizen, Cameron Snyder Arts Discipline: Chorus Grade:12 GPA/QPA: 3.8 What is your favorite part of the arts genre in which you were selected? To perform and to sing in different languages, because its different and I like to explore different cultures. Where would you most like to attend college and what might be your major? North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University also known as NC A&T. I plan to major in Biology. What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Being apart of the Ladies Ensemble for 5 years. We get to perform with more advanced singing groups in the area like the Burke Singers at Winston Salem State University. I have also been given the opportunity to perform more. How will the arts influence your future career? As of right now, I don’t have a current or direct influence for chorus and biology. I have enjoyed singing during my high school career, however, sadly my choral journey will come to a close with my high school chapter. The Arts Council would like to thank music teacher, Danny Green, who not only initiated the Student Artist of the Month program, but is serving as the volunteer liaison between the Arts Council and the schools for this project. If you have questions or comments about this program, please contact us. Danny Green, Student Artist of the Month Program Coordinator: sam.wsfchs@gmail.com