Field Trip to Washington DC

We went to D.C. on the day before elections and expected crowds and rallies. Instead, the city was empty and we almost had the museums to ourselves. One group went to the newly reopened Smithsonian of American Art Museum (Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams), The National Portrait Gallery (Presidential portraits), and the National Gallery of Art (yes, that da Vinci painting is real). Other groups went to the Museum of the American Indian (Fritz Scholder Exhibit make sure you select the Online Exhibition link), the Hirshhorn and Freer/Sackler. We can never see it all. Thanks to Billy in our Photography II class for the photos.

Roanoke's New Art Museum

Several of our students, as well as Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Pfeiffer volunteered for up to 12 hours on the opening day of the new Taubman Museum of Art. It felt like we were at a huge party, especially for those of us that worked at the front doors, greeting the 10,000 visitors. Our jobs were to count attendees (with the clickers), help those who needed wheelchairs and in the galleries themselves. Not only were our local dignitaries present, but even Governor Kaine and the mayor of Wonju were present. Some of the artists whose work was shown traveled far to be here and one of our CSHS graduates who is attending Pratt Institute in New York City came down just to volunteer. Live music and costumed creatures on stilts added to the party atmosphere. Thanks to a generous donation from a CSHS family, our art classes will be able to take a field trip to the museum in early spring.

Potter Demos for 3D Art Students

Rich Moon, our arts supervisor and a potter, came to CSHS last week and demoed on the pottery wheel. The normally boisterous class was quiet and mesmerized and Rich gave away his demo samples to the students who took the best notes. Since Rich's visit they've been working on the wheel, reviewing the copious notes they took and creating some impressive pots. All the students will get a chance on the wheel this semester. Those who enjoy it will have the opportunity to take their skills to higher levels.

CSHS Students Have Formed a Jazz Band Called Commonplace

In Febuary 2008 Ian and Bryan, both guitar players and CSHS students started playing their original jazz compositions together, including a performance in May at Festival in the Park. That night, Ian and Bryan talked to Derrick, a saxophonist and CSHS student, about adding a few tracks on the CD they hoped to record. Ian and Bryan also added vocals. The three jammed at the start of June and played their first show together less than a week later. They began recording, but needed a drummer. Ian called Kyle, a Patrick Henry student that he met on a previous project and Commonplace was formed. The band recorded all summer and played a few shows. Their first album, "I Had a Thought but I can't Prove It", came out September 27th at a CD release show at Doreen's Gourmet, which was so packed that people sat on the floor while some had to watch from the parking lot. The band is now trying to book as many live shows as possible and will soon begin recording a new EP.

Visit Commonplace at www.myspace.com/iwillinc to hear tracks and order the new album and t-shirt both designed by Matt, another CSHS student.

Upcoming events:
Oct. 11, 2008. 12 Noon at the Dominick Tennies Memorial Car Show - Thaxton, VA
Nov. 1, 2008. 6:30pm at The Water Heater - Roanoke, VA
Nov. 22, 2008. 7:30pm at The White Hart - Lynchburg, VA
Dec. 5, 2008. 7:00pm at the Edible Vibe - Rocky Mount, VA
Jan. 9, 2009. 8:00pm at the Third Street Coffeehouse - Roanoke, VA

Former Students Come Back to Talk about College

Justin Yun and Daniel Harris, two of our talented former art students, were visiting artists recently. They discussed the career of animation, which they have studied at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Daniel has graduated and his specialty is character animation. He is working towards getting a summer paid internship at Pixar. Justin is still at Full Sail and wants to specialize in rigging. Riggers set up the mechanics of the animated characters so that they move realistically, a very challenging job. Both boys are talented enough to have several specialties.

Justin and Daniel were great sports, repeating their presentation complete with images and demos 4 times throughout the day. The next day students asked Mrs. Pfeiffer when they could return.

Field Trip to Washington DC Coming Up November 3

We are planning a field trip for art students to the museums in Washington, DC for November 3. Details will be available soon.

Fundraiser a Success

The visual art department wants to thank all of you who helped sell Virginia Diner Peanuts. We raised more money than last year and this is the year we need it most. So, thanks to all of you who took part, we will be able to buy the art supplies we need. If you need more peanuts before next fall, remember you can order online from the CSHS art fundraiser menu and we will still get a percentage.

6th Annual Blue Ridge Potters Guild

CSHS is proud to host the Blue Ridge Potters Guild again this year. The show features both functional and decorative works. Admission is free. A reception, open to the public, is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Show and demonstrations continue on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 from noon to 5 p.m.

The theme for this year's show will be "Child's Play" benefiting CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership).

Please visit this exciting event. In return for the use of our cafeteria, our art flats and our student volunteers who help set up, the Guild donates pieces of pottery for our spring silent auction fund raiser and provide visiting artists and a raku firing.