Visual/Performing Art Programs

At OCS, we incorporate the DOEs Blueprint for the Teaching and Learning in the Arts into our Visual Arts curriculum for both middle school and high school students. Students are expected to meet the benchmarks as outlined in the Blueprint. Students make meaning about the world through art making, developing art literacy, accessing cultural and community resources, and exploring careers in the art field. We encourage our students to participate in art competitions and bring in guest artists to work with our students on creative projects.

Middle School art challenges students to build 3-dimensional projects using a variety of materials, as well to keep a sketchbook, assessed twice weekly, and to execute assignments in watercolor and tempera paint. Hand-building projects include clay necklaces, plaster hats, miniature wire-and-upholstery furniture, and foam core houses. Students are also required to use their intrinsic visual skills to stretch their thinking and communication through lessons on art, history and culture. Drawings are made from still-life arrangements, natural and geometric objects, self-portraits, figures and architecture.

High School art meets three times weekly and requires an increased level of execution as well as text analysis, such as of the graphic novel, Maus, and excerpts on current news or controversies in art. Students may also choose to build an art portfolio or develop a particular aspect of their work.
Every student has written an original script, and we hope to perform some of these at our end-of-year presentation.


All OCS Arts departments are planning an end-of-year performance featuring improvisation and original plays.  Field trips to attend professional improvisation shows and off-broadway/fringe plays will feature in the curriculum as well.

 

Annual Congressional Art Awards

Six of our OCS students (Bobby Colon, Lynnee Lalin, Christian Medina, Bianca Salazar, Gamal Shickaldin, and Laura Terri) took a field trip to the State Building on 125th to attend the Annual Congressional Art Awards.  Each student met and spoke with Congressman Charles Rangel, received a certificate, and were honored before an esteemed audience full of local representatives and business people.  Although none of our students won the overall award and prize of getting a trip to Washington, DC, the photos attached show a testament as to how immensely positive an experience it was to see their work hung in a gallery and to get some recognition for their hard work.  If you teach one of these students, or see them in the hallway, please congratulate them!

(Click to enlarge photos)

 

OCS Logo Competition

 

"These are the 2012-2013 OCS Logo Competition Winners, as selected by a panel of school administrators (Principal Marya Baker, CEO Leonard Goldberg, Secretaries Donna O'Brien & Elizabeth Davidson).  Students of Mr. Alex Anastas' High School Art Classes were tasked with re-designing and re-imagining the Opportunity Charter School OCS Logo and use of the school mascot the Owl.  These logos will be used by administration on school paraphernalia, publications, stationary and/or the school's website.  Congratulations to the winners Laura Terri, Sharese Bullock, Rhonda Garrett, Imani Haigler, Ousmane Kamate, Joshua Smith, and collaborators Francisco Polanco/Bianca Salazar and Tryphena Quicoe & Gamal Shickaldin."

(Click to enlarge photos)

Neighborhood Art