ARTS
Art in Action: Artists Embrace Creativity in Student-Led Design Lab Some of the most groundbreaking artistic works are created when artists with knowledge and experience from different disciplines collide to spark new ideas. The give-and-take of collaboration can spur them to create something incredible. Here at Blair Academy, one student recognized the power of artistic collaboration and the impact it can have on students.
A Small Dream When Wils Acker ’19 came to Blair Academy in September 2017, he carried with him a serious passion for art. While attending the Hong Kong International School, he grew his love for music and design through arts programs. Prepared to continue his growth here at Blair, he wanted to surround himself with the same creative energy he had experienced overseas where, he observed, “teenagers seem more encouraged to embrace their artistic side.” Inspired by other Blair programs and clubs created and run entirely by students, Wils had the idea to develop a creative lab activity. He asked Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni to sign on as faculty advisor, and then set to work creating the activity’s curriculum and a proposal to present to Blair’s administration. “Wils did this entirely on his own, from the idea to the actual development of the lab, which was unbelievable to observe,” said Mr. Manni. “He created everything from scratch, then worked with other faculty members to prepare a presentation for approval.” In spring 2018, Wils presented his proposal for a music and design lab to Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79, Blair’s dean of campus life and director of leadership programs, and Ryan Pagotto ’97, associate head of school. With their enthusiastic approval, the lab was set to launch in fall 2018 as an afterschool activity. “What started as a late-night dream finally became real, and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to help other students explore different genres of art,” Wils said.
5 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019
Wils Acker ’19 reviews a project with a student as Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni looks on.
A Lab Is Created From September through November, six students participated in the lab, meeting in the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration after class four days a week. They worked with a range of digital art mediums, including music production, music composition and graphic design. Each student was responsible for forming his or her own long- and short-term projects throughout the season, and they showed their work to Wils at the end of each week to track progress. As this was a brand-new experience for everyone involved, it included a lot of trial and error to iron out the kinks. “Students differed in the types of art they chose to pursue and in their individual levels of experience. Because of this, it