Fine arts are celebrated at academy graduation

The Fine Art Academy at Pine Bush High School this summer had 11 talented and eager students who chose to come to school and enrich their understanding of art. With more than seven hours of art each day for three weeks, the students had the opportunity to delve into projects that just can’t be done during the regular school year.

The students worked on soap sculptures, clay, cyanotype printing, wet cyanotype materials in the darkroom, plaster carving and even painted a beautiful, calming mural at PBE.

Pottery on a table. All different types, plates, cups, figures.

The academy is run by Julie Palinkas and Janice Barth, and assisted by Katie Johnson. The curriculum changes each year, giving students the chance to repeat the academy if they’d like. This year, three students did just that!

Superintendent Joe Lenz congratulated the students, whose stunning artwork was on display throughout the high school library.

Three teachers stand in front of a board that says Fine Art Academy.

“While others were taking a break from school, you chose to nurture your creativity, develop your talents and challenge yourselves in new ways,” said Mr. Lenz. “That takes dedication, courage and passion.”

A woman and two high school students stand around a table looking at artwork.

Ms. Palinkas and Ms. Barth discussed each of the projects the students worked on. Ms. Johnson, who is a Pine Bush graduate currently studying to be an art teacher, taught the clay fabrication techniques. The results of all the projects were amazing.

A special project they worked on was a mural at Pine Bush Elementary School. Ms. Barth said she had discussed it with staff members at PBE to help provide a calming space for students. They wanted a forest landscape with animals interspersed so the students can focus on finding different animals among the trees.

A group of five high school students paint a mural on a large wall. The painting is of a forest.

“The arts help us tell stories, share emotions, inspire others and see the world from new perspectives,” said Mr. Lenz. “Over these past three weeks, you’ve grown not only as artists but also as thinkers, collaborators and individuals. Congratulations on completing the Fine Arts Academy. We are incredibly proud of your commitment, your imagination and your willingness to spend part of your summer investing in your gifts.”

A young woman shakes hands with a woman. Behind the young woman are people sitting on chairs.

Fine Art Academy Graduates

Anaya Anderson Guadeloupe
Laura Frohnhoefer
Andelenia Grantio
Romneya Granito
Isabella Hilario
Kelli Lugo
Oaklee (Saffron) Murray
Lily O’Donnell
Elizabeth Peterson
Caleb Pfanzelter
Sal Schelmetty

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Watch the Pine Bush High School Graduation