George Walton Academy - Fine Arts

The Power of PROSTHETICS

INSPIRING OTHERS TO STEP OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE

By Josh Jameson

Upper School Art Instructor

Our goal in the art department is to break the norms by expanding the classes and opportunities we offer. With new materials and processes available to students, we can present rare training in fields that have been overlooked by traditional art room teachings.

With last year’s exceptionally talented senior class, the concentrations were broad, showcasing a diverse display of art forms. Senior Emma Barley’s focus was film pre-production and special effects. In collaborative crossover with the theatre department, we gave added dimension to the actors’ spirited performances in the tale of Aladdin with life-like facial prosthetics: a caricatured vilified nose for Jack Boyer’s character of Jafar, and fantastic blue pointed ears for Ana Cordero’s portrayal of the Genie.

Made from silicone, the facial appliances were custom sculpted by Emma and myself on life castings taken of her classmate’s faces. The silicone mimics the flex of real human skin, and once applied to the actor’s face it moves fluidly with their movements of expression as an extension of the actor. After the pieces were molded and cast, Emma meticulously applied and blended them on the actors before curtain call. The results were stunning, and actors were allowed a deeper connection with their character performances.

“Having the ears on made me feel so complete as the Genie,” said Ana Cordero. “I was prepared for the part, but the ears took me to the next level. They were super comfortable, and I barely noticed they were there. I’m super into stage makeup, so having a life-casting was such a cool experience. Overall, anyone going into theater should definitely get hyped up if they are told they can do prosthetics. I know I loved it.”

“The privilege of using a nose prosthetic for a character like Jafar allowed me to connect to the character and find my element with ease,” said Jack Boyer. “I had never played a villain before Jafar, and the nose allowed me to further disconnect from the way I usually act, utilizing a new array facial expressions, further embracing the new challenge and personality.”

Coming from a background of special effects, I know first-hand how difficult it is to absorb these techniques; they simply aren’t available in a traditional classroom setting. Emma has an insatiable interest in the work and is a natural for the craft; having the opportunity to teach her these techniques has been a true joy. “I’ve loved learning the process of making and applying prosthetics and I can’t wait to continue expanding my knowledge into college,” said Emma.

Learning So Much Through MUSIC

LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC

Creativity, imagination, and boundless energy are the key ingredients that bring lower school music classes to life! Students enthusiastically embrace all the opportunities to get up and out of their seats to make music (and fun memories!) in these special classes led by Debbie Dyer who has been teaching at GWA for more than 22 years. Each one of her lessons is designed to inspire a lifelong love for music and learning. And if you want to enjoy a show that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, be sure to attend this year’s lower school music performances!

Exploring MIDDLE SCHOOL Art

Megan Sims

Fine Arts Department Chair

Although I have taught classes in lower and high school through the years, my main role is in middle school, and what a fun place it is to be! We have expanded the middle school arts by adding a variety of new courses. In addition to general Studio Arts, Drawing and Painting classes, middle school students can now choose to take introductory courses in Computer- Aided Design and Video Production. These classes offer an additional creative outlet for our students beyond the traditional art class. They are introduced to the world of digital design with the use of TinkerCAD and have opportunities to create and print objects on our 3D printers. Video Production introduces students to the world of movie-making. Students learn the basics of filming, editing and producing videos. We are proud to offer such a variety of creative opportunities for our students and are always looking for ways to grow.

Students often say to me, “I am not an artist, I can’t draw.” But I know that everyone has the potential to be an artist, and art is so much

more than drawing. Art is individuality, requires effort, patience and curiosity. Art comes in many forms. I strive to create a kind and collaborative classroom that allows students to feel comfortable creating and discussing their own work and the work of others. They learn to be resilient in their effort and that mistakes are not final; they are instead an opportunity. The Visual Arts classes, be they Drawing, Painting, Video Production or CAD, are project-based. We focus on learning both skills and techniques and then we advance to applying those skills creatively. Students learn with and from each other. Collaboration is encouraged as every student has something valuable to offer.

I am so excited to take on my new role as Fine Arts Department Chair. I believe we have one of the most amazing art programs around! I am proud to be able to say that not only have I been a part of this program for the past ten years as a teacher, but as a parent for the past thirteen. My daughter Delaney (2022) recently graduated with a Fine Arts Diploma Distinction and my youngest daughter, Cidella (2024) has enjoyed being part of the Performing Arts Dance and Drama Programs at GWA for years. I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence by offering students opportunities to experience a variety of creative endeavors beyond the typical art classes offered in most schools.

ART SUPERSTARS

GWA artists received outstanding accolades and awards at the High School Student Art Reception at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts. Breena McGraw, Delaney Sims, and Alex McMunn received offers of $6,000 in scholarships from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Rosalyn Chapman received a $14,000 scholarship to the ‘Rising Star’ program that is offered for five weeks over the summer. These four talented artists were among nine Walton County students who were awarded scholarships - an impressive showing indeed!

BLAKENEY SEWELL - GHP

Blakeney Sewell was selected as a 2022 Governor’s Honors Program finalist in Music (Brass).

GHP is a prestigious and competitive summer program that gives participants the opportunity to spend four weeks at Berry College with other gifted and talented Georgia high school students while working on instructional and cultural enrichment activities.

GWA Director of Bands Christian Smith commented, “We are so excited and proud of Blakeney in making GHP! She is a tremendous talent and has an amazing work ethic that has really led her to achieve so many great opportunities this year. Blakeney also was 2nd chair French horn in the Georgia All-State Band. Her hard work and dedication are really paying off and I know she is a great representative for GWA and our band.”

SPOTLIGHTING performing arts

GWA Performing Arts provide an opportunity for musicians, dancers, and actors to showcase their talents and have their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.