Following the Yellow Brick Road.......

Following the Yellow Brick Road. from Amanda Cervantes on Vimeo.

Enjoy this documentary about the recent production of The Wiz.  The documentary was created by South HS alum Amanda Cervantes.

Senior Artist wins "Best in Show" at renowned Fremd High School 4 x 5 Exhibition

The Poisen Apple - Crystal Ponce, artist

2013 Fremd High School 4 x 5 Show "Best in Show"

Congratulations to South High School artist Crystal Ponce for earning "Best in Show" of the 2013 Fremd High School 4 x 5 Show for her drawing titled The Poisen Apple.

The pieces entered are divided into nine different categories and judged by each school and then by a larger panel with student artwork from other schools. Prizes are be awarded to the top three works of each category. In addition , students can earn an "honorable mention" citation for work of excellence.

For the 2013 4x5 show at Fremd High School, students from 38 suburban high schools submitted more than 1,600 pieces of work.

"We are extremely proud of all of our student artists at South High School.  It is fabulous that the judges at the Fremd Show chose to recognize Crystal Ponce for her hard work and dedication that was manifested in her drawing The Poisen Apple." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams.

RAKU Day 2013

Led by DG South visual art teachers Kathy Myles and Molly O'Brien-Prusa, DGS student ceramicists from Ceramics II and Ceramics Studio classes today embarked on the 13th annual Raku/Primitive Firing event at South High School in Downers Grove.  Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses extreme temperatures, fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which effects the colors in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking (known as crackling since it is deliberate).The student work that emerges from the smoke and fire of the day is visually stunning.

Karl Mankert, our RAKU "guru" from Chicago Kiln Service, was impressed by the work, and, the work ethic of the South HS ceramicists.  In addition to providing the equipment for the RAKU day, Mr. Mankert coaches and teaches the student artists in the subtle techniques of RAKU firing.  Special thanks to Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) for supporting Mr. Mankert's visit and his work with student artists.

Look for these brilliantly developed pieces during the coming Spring Art Show starting on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Way to go South High School student ceramicists!!

Undeniably Core, anything but Common.............................

The student artists and team of teachers at South High School just performed, for four remarkable shows, a recreation of The Wiz. In every aspect, the production was remarkable. The technical aspects of the show were impressive. The musical aspects of the show were at a professional level. The visual aspects of the show were breathtaking.

When unified in presentation, the arts reflect the human condition in a singularly unique manner. The fusion of music, drama, dance and visual elements communicates aspects of being human that enable us to understand ourselves to a greater extent. That understanding, in turn, activates the potential for awareness of other human beings that creates a platform for more effective existence.

The arts are challenging to assess and evaluate quantitatively. In something as complex as a musical production, it is hard to develop data points that can be measured with numbers. The inherent value is found at the Core of being a human being. This can’t be tested with computer key strokes. It is measured over time through the quality of existence encountered by each of us. Daunting as it is to measure, we all need to assert with vigilance, as No Child Left Behind mandates, that the arts are a Core subject.  

The production of The Wiz enriched the patrons, the process enriched the cast, crew and pit. Congratulations. Thanks to each of you for the gift you just gave to our community.

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Mustang Artists at the 2013 Fremd 4x5 Show

Guitar by Aura Evans - 2013 Fremd 4x5 Show, Second place award winner, Drawing category

Young artists are always searching for opportunities to display their artwork, and the Fremd  4x5 Art Show allows select students artists that chance.

Fremd continues to host this show, which in addition to the exhibition of student work, contains a competitive judging and awards.

The pieces entered are divided into nine different categories and judged by each school and then by a larger panel with student artwork from other schools. Prizes will be awarded to the top three works of each category.  In addition , students can earn an "honorable mention" citation for work of excellence.

For the 2013 4x5 show at Fremd High School, students from 38 suburban high schools submitted more than 1,600 pieces of work.

South High School artists Sammie Anelsmo (first place, digital photography,) and Aura Evans (second place, drawing,) earned top awards after all the judging was completed.

Please join us in congratulating the category award winners and honorable mention citations for South High School visual artists for the 2013 Fremd 4x5 show:

Sammie Anselmo - Digital Photography - First Place
Jane Drews - 3D - Honorable Mention
Aura Evans - Drawing - Second Place
Jessica Hoos - Drawing - Honorable Mention
Egle Keturakyte - Drawing - Honorable Mention
Crystal Panganiban - Digital Photography - Honorable Mention
Adriana Quintana - Painting - Honorable Mention

Composer Jonathan Newman visits South High School

South High School is pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed composer Jonathan Newman, here in a one day mini-residency working with Mustang band musicians on his music and engaging in discussion and dialog about composing music.  

South High School is a participating member of the Consortium for the Advancement of Wind Band Literature, a group made up of eight schools that contribute funds annually for the purpose of creating quality literature for high school bands.  At South High School, the funding of this project is a partnership venture with the Fine Arts Department and the Band Boosters.  Two of the recent commissions by this consortium, Dreamland by Michael Markowki and Riff Raff by Ryan George  were both performed at the 2012 Midwest Clinic.  South High School Bands is proud to be a member of this consortium, and appreciates the collaborative support of the Band Boosters and the Fine Arts Department to create quality wind band literature for high school Bands.   

Jonathan Newman's composition is entitled Single, and will be premiered by the Wind Ensemble during the Spring Concert on May 23, 2013 at 7 PM in the auditorium at South High School.

South High School presents "The Wiz"

Students and staff at South High School are proud to present "The Wiz."  The show will run from April 18-20 at 7 PM and on April 21 at 3 PM.  A limited number of tickets for the popular show will be available at the door for every performance.  Based on the rehearsals leading up to the production, this is one that you won't want to miss!

Alliance of Fine Art 2013 Best of the Best

Beauty and the Beast

Crystal Ponce, artist

Congratulations to senior Crystal Ponce for being one of two students to earn the 2013 High School student scholarship presented by the Alliance of Fine Art. Crytal's piece titled "Beauty and the Beast" will be exhibited in the AFA Best of the Best exhibition.  Crystal was presented with this scholarship at the opening reception and ceremony on April 4, 2013.

The Alliance of Fine Art  is a non-profit association of art organizations which come together to form a partnership to advance education and appreciation for fine art in the community, provide opportunities for fellowship and support, share information and resources, contribute knowledge and create a greater voice for local artists.

WInter Guard prepares for WGI Finals

The South High School Winter guard performed for a throng of spectators tonight during a final dress rehearsal in the Field House.  The ensemble is preparing for the Winter Guard International (WGI) finals being held at LaPorte HS in LaPorte, Indiana.  The group performs on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:01 PM in the gym at LaPorte HS.  This ensemble continues to emerge as a competitive force on the WGI/Midwest Color Guard circuit.  Best of luck this weekend!

D99/WPL Artistic Collaboration

More than 100 student artists from North and South High Schools in District 99 have collaborated with the Woodridge Public Library to create a breathtaking exhibit of student art work.

The visual art teams at DGN and DGS believe that finding a public venue to showcase student work is an essential element of a strong visual art program.  The collaboration between District 99 and the Village of Woodridge is producing fabulous benefits for students and the community at large. The staff and students of District 99 extend a special thanks to Susan McNeil-Marshall, WPL Administrator, for serving as the host for the exhibition.

The show runs through April 22 and is available for public viewing during the normal operating hours of the Woodridge Public Library.

2013 D99/WPL Art Show Opening

Don't miss tonight's opening reception of the Woodridge / District 99 Art Show! 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Woodridge Public Library. Awards @ 7:00 PM.