Visual and Performing Arts

Dancing Through the Decades: 100 Years of Dance!

This year Mercy Dance showcased their talents through a virtual dance production video "Dancing Through the Decades! 100 Years of Dance" featuring dances from 1920-2020. To view the video go to https://youtu.be/qWhkbDGqGrY

“I'm really proud of the students who learned 97% of the choreography over

Zoom this semester! There are some lovely cameos from our faculty and staff during the finale, so it's well worth the watch!” —Joy Thiesen Braunstein, Dance Teacher Visual and PerformingCHORALE

Congratulations to Tri-School Productions on an amazing livestream performance of Shrek!

Mercy perfomers: Matea Houle ‘24, Sierra Klingler ‘24, Isabella Sandino ‘23, Maggie Payne ‘22, Erin Colville ‘22, Marissa Abaya ‘23, Gabbie Jison ‘24, Caroline Callagy ‘21, Francesca Falbo ‘24, Coco Faillace ‘24, Kira Cory ‘22, Marina Shannon ‘22 and Mia Faillace ‘21. Mercy Chorale culminated the year with an amazing virtual concert of positive musical vibes under the direction of Chorale Teacher Victor Cervantes. To view the concert go to https://youtu.be/1q-OE930y3U

Priyana Singh ‘24 recreated the work of Roger Shimomura (Japanese-American artist based in Seattle).

Raina Eichhorn ‘23 recreated the abstract work of David Diao (Chinese-American artist based in NYC). “The breadth of skills and creativity gathered this past year demonstrate that art can thrive even in a pandemic! Our VPA students proved to be resilient, and showed immense dedication and commitment to the program and for that we are extremely grateful! Henri Matisse once said, ‘Creativity takes courage.’ Our students proved to be beyond courageous when they faced the unknowns of quarantine, daily uncertainty, and other obstacles. They rose to the occasion and their efforts were very evident in their skills and the quality of their artwork. This year our ArtsFest, which is usually in person, was featured on a website for everyone to enjoy. We celebrate our students’ visual arts achievements!” To view the Mercy ArtsFest website go to https://sites.google.com/mercyhsb.com/ mercyartsfest2021/welcome —Nadine Baroudi, Ed.M., VPA Department Chair & Visual Arts Teacher

Arts

Kaelyn Durnin ‘24 Pamela Xiang ‘21

CERAMICS

Despite distance learning challenges, our Ceramics and 3D art students were able to express their emotions and thoughts through art. We are extremely proud of them! Several Mercy students were showcased at the Congressional Art Competition reception in June! This included Isabella Hoffman ‘22, Claire Wagner ‘23, Kiana Dacanay ‘24, and Pamela Xiang ‘21, who won 3rd place! Pamela’s work will remain in Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s Bay Area office for the year.

Katelyn Vo ‘22 reimagined a piece by Steven Young Lee (Korean-American artist based in Chicago). Isabella Hoffman ‘22 Claire Wagner ‘23

“Kamala Harris once proclaimed, ‘The American Dream belongs to all of us.’ The spirit of this quote resonates with the Visual Arts Department of Mercy Burlingame, as well as the values our school was founded on. As a department, we have been committed to exploring artists from various Claire Wagner ‘23 backgrounds to ensure that all students experience reimagined the work of Emily Cheng (Chinese- art that reflects their culture or background in American artist based in NYC). some way. Because we know that representation matters, we want to continue ensuring our students Maya Pahre ‘23 created a colorful graphic piece of work inspired by several pieces by Chitra Ganesh have access to and are encouraged to explore their (Indian-American artist in Brooklyn). contemporaries as they continue becoming global Sophia Knapp ‘23 recreated the work of Angelica Alzona (Filipino-American artist based in NYC). “learners. We celebrate the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) community and their wonderful contributions to our world. —Shardie Ezell, 2D Art & Photography Teacher