Student Spotlight: Christian Ortiz & Rachelle Rosado

Two University High School Students Are: 

NYU Steinhardt's Visionary Studio Participants 

by, PHOENIX FLAME STAFF

Christian Ortiz & Rachelle Rosado

Last month 11th graders, Christian Ortiz and Rachelle Rosado received an email from NYU that said the following: 

"Congratulations! You have officially been accepted into NYU Steinhardt's Visionary Studio: Saturday Art Workshop program for the following theme: Manufacturing Addiction."

For those of you that don't know, this is a big deal. It means that they are on their way to being artists taught by some great teachers. According to NYU's website Christian and Rachelle will be participating in the following program: 

NYU Visionary Studio: Saturday Art Workshop "a 9-week program that allows students to infuse issues of social justice into a dynamic art-making practice... teens explore one of four significant social themes (i.e. imagining the human body, activism in visual art, climate change, etc.) and draw upon a rich array of innovative, multidisciplinary approaches through which they can visually express their ideas.

Classes are taught by teams of graduate students completing their Certification in Art Education program at New York University. Together, students and teachers consider ways in which artists can and do influence society, and experiment with techniques that include drawing, painting, printmaking, video, photography, 3-dimensional media, and installation. As part of the program students participate in a final exhibition inviting a wide audience of parents, friends, teachers, and NYU faculty, to see their work."

We caught up with Rachelle and Christian to find out what they felt about this achievement. 

"This is a great opportunity,  that I plan on taking full advantage of." -- Rachelle

"I think it's cool. I'm proud of myself." --Christian

Initially, we thought that Ms. Graham their art teacher made them enter this competition as some sort of extra credit. When we talked with her she had this to say: 

"The students found out about this program through an e-mail that was sent to me. No guidance and or assistance was offered or needed through the application process. I am always looking for opportunities to showcase my student's work and expose their talents. I love to see them experience success and understand that they are creative. This is such an opportunity for them to improve on their skills, get that exposure and express their own unique thoughts creatively in a college environment. NYU at that.... one of the most prestigious Art colleges in the country. This is a very proud moment."

We agree with Ms. Graham it is always great to hear about our fellow Phoenix out here in the world doing great things. Congrats Christian and Rachelle, can't wait to see what you create!