ARTISTIC VISION DONORS SUPPORT PARKER WITH NEWLY NAMED SPACES
Photo and motion media teacher Mark Byrne works with a student.
Parker has two newly named sponsored spaces in recognition of generous Parker families who made leadership gifts for renovations to the Linda Vista Campus during the Generations capital campaign. The named spaces are a visual arts studio and a performing arts classroom. The Gray White Photo Studio, located on the second floor of the visual arts center, is used for shooting still photography and motion pictures in a light- and audiocontrolled environment. The space is also used as a classroom for Upper School photo and motion media classes. The studio is equipped with blackout curtains, ceilingmounted lighting with a control board, microphones, speakers, a digital projector and a movie screen. In addition, the studio contains assorted gear, such as softboxes, floodlights and more. “By having the ability to control the studio light, students are able to create chiaroscuro drama or high key conventional portraiture by shaping, adding, subtracting or otherwise modifying the lighting,” said Mark Byrne, Upper School photography and motion media teacher. The room is named in recognition of Parker parent David Gray, his wife and Parker trustee Sarah White, and their sons, Isaac ’16 and Henry, Class of 2020. A
Caroline Lezny ʼ16 in one of her memorable Parker drama roles.
second sponsored space was made possible by Jan Lezny and Karen Van Riper, parents of Andrew, Class of 2018, and Caroline ’16. The Lezny Family Classroom, located on the upper floor of the Amelita Galli-Curci Performing Arts Center, was named in honor of Caroline Lezny ’16 for her joyful spirit and dedication to the art of theater. The sponsored space was a surprise to their daughter upon her graduation from Parker. The room is both a classroom and a rehearsal space. It is outfitted with a small stage and two rows of theater-style seating, making it well suited for small performances and rehearsals. “We in the drama department are always thankful for donors who see the vision of what we want to accomplish with our young actors and generously support that vision,” said Mark Femia, who teaches musical theater in Grades 6 to 12. n
SUMMER/FALL 2016 PARKER MAGAZINE
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