Arts News

Art Students Selected for Social Justice Art Series Showcase

Congratulations to high school students, Ashton Cameron, Zoe Jackson, Hannah Sterling, and Natalie Hamlin for being selected as featured artists in The Center for Civil and Human Right's Social Justice Art Series showcase on May 9th.

Students in and around the Atlanta-area submitted work centered around social justice awareness to be considered for the series, entitled "Awoken: A Student Social Justice Art Showcase."

Senior Natalie Hamlin also received a Best in Show award for her piece entitled “Muna”, which is from her AP Art concentration that is based on refugees in Clarkston, GA: “The most diverse square mile in America.”

Congratulations, art students, for using your voice for good!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Alex Thorne

Alex Thorne, 8^th grade, has played a key role in the Fine Arts department. He is a top member of the Advanced Band, Marching Band, and Basketball Band at Wesleyan. In addition to sharing his excellent clarinet skills with the band, Alex continues to perform lead roles in the Middle School plays and musicals. Alex shares his musical and theatrical gifts freely and invests in the progress of his peers and the ensemble. We are blessed to have Alex in the Fine Arts at Wesleyan.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Davis Olds

The Middle School Theater Department is proud to present 8^th grader Davis Olds as our Fine Arts Member of the week. Davis is a familiar face to our department having been in the past three Wolf Jr. Productions. This week, you can see him as Mr. Salt in our spring production, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. We are so thankful to have Davis as a member of our cast. He is a joy to work with during rehearsals and is a great example to all of his cast mates of what it means to be patient and kind. Davis is hardworking and wonderfully particular in how he brings his characters to life onstage especially when those characters are difficult ones. Not only does Davis participate in the Wolf Jr. Productions, he is an outstanding member of Mr. Simmons’ 8^th Grade Improv Class. It is encouraging to see his love for theatre, in all its artforms, grow and flourish. Congratulations, Davis!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Ally Jones

Ally Jones is developing into a leader of the Fine Arts early in her high school career. As only a ninth-grader, Ally has been involved in all three shows with the Wesleyan Wolf Players this year. She has also performed several solos as a member of the Chamber Singers, a testament to her talent and energy in rehearsal. She is also a valuable member of this year’s Literary Team. Ally won the Area championship and placed 5^th at State in Girls Solo. She also placed 5^th at State as a member of the Girls Trio. Ally has plenty more time to add to her accomplishments but has sought opportunities now to distinguish herself. Way to go Ally!

Visual Arts Exhibit

Don’t miss the 9th annual Visual Arts Exhibit. The opening reception is Wednesday, April 11, from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm in the Fine Arts building. Enjoy music, finger foods, and beautiful artwork selected from our middle and high school art students. The artwork will be on display in the Fine Arts building until May 11.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Jessica Nolan

Congratulations to 8^th grader Jessica Nolan, the Fine Arts Member of the Week. Jessica is a 4-year chorus member and has also been a part of several Wolf Jr. Player theater productions. Over her time in chorus, she has greatly improved her singing skills and has emerged as a leader. In addition to her excellent and expressive singing, Jessica has recently stepped up as a choreographer in chorus class, leading her peers in learning a dance for their upcoming music video, “This Is Me.” Jessica is also serving as stage manager for the upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, a position that has her at rehearsal every day, and frequently has her standing in and playing the roles of any cast members who are absent (often from memory!). Jessica - thank you for using your gifts in a variety of ways in Wesleyan fine arts!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Michelle Tan

Michelle Tan, 12th grade clarinetist, is this week’s Fine Arts Member of the Week. Michelle has been a dedicated member of the band program; she is a 4-year member of the symphonic band and was a member of the marching band for 6 years. She served as drum major this past season and did an outstanding job. Additionally, she has led the symphonic band clarinet section very well the past few years. She worked hard to prepare her section on some very challenging music this semester. She has auditioned for and made it into the District Honor Band all four years of high school and was a member of the Honor Wind Symphony at the University of Georgia Band Festival back in January. We are proud of Michelle and her accomplishments!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Lauren Bell

Lauren Bell, 12th grade, is involved in multiple areas of fine arts. She is in AP Art student with a focus on photography and has won multiple art awards this year, including two Regional Scholastic Gold Key Awards, an Honorable Mention in the Shutter Sense awards, and district finalist in the All State Art Awards. She is also a talented graphic designer and has designed all five theater posters this year. You may have seen Lauren on stage as Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast or singing in the chapel band. Lauren plans to study graphic design in college. Congratulations, Lauren!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Grayson Ragsdale

Senior, Grayson Ragsdale, has performed on the Wesleyan stage throughout her tenure at the school. During high school she appeared in every Wesleyan musical, singing the classic Day By Day in the Wolf Player production of Godspell during her junior year. She was Belle's understudy in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and performed that role during the Saturday matinee. This year, she also secured her second comedic role in a Kaufman and Hart play. The first, during her sophomore year, was Maggie Cutler in The Man Who Came to Dinner and in April, her final Wolf Player performance, Grayson will perform the part of Penny Sycamore in You Can’t Take It With You. Her talent and versatility has made her a fixture on the Wesleyan stage. In the fall, she appeared in The Odyssey as the Muse and Calypso - very appropriate for someone whose inspiration and energy have been her strengths. Congratulations, Grayson!

Scholastic Art Award - Lily Rudder

Lily Rudder, AP Art student, recently earned a Scholastic Art Awards National Silver Key for her mixed media painting entitled Shadows of Africa.
This award identifies Lily as one of the most talented young artists and writers in the nation by panels of creative professionals.
This year, nearly 350,000 works of art and writing were submitted.Only the top 1% were recognized at the national level. Congratulations, Lily!

Southern Star Music Festival

Congratulations to the 5th and 6th Grade Grade Chorus for earning GOLD ratings at the Southern Star Music Festival on March 23. The group also won the Sweepstakes Trophy, distinguishing themselves as the top middle school chorus in the competition! All three judges gave the chorus a score of 98/100. After their excellent performance on Friday, the chorus enjoyed a day at Six Flags on Saturday and celebrated their victory at the Southern Star Awards ceremony held in the park. Way to go, 5th and 6th Grade Chorus! You can check out their performance here. Be sure to check out the end where Dr. Angela Beaty, a judge from the University of Tennessee pays the group some BIG compliments!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Grayson Ragsdale

Senior, Grayson Ragsdale, has performed on the Wesleyan stage throughout her tenure at the school. During high school she has appeared in every Wesleyan musical, singing the classic, Day By Day, in the Wolf Player production of Godspell during her junior year. She played Belle's understudy in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and performed that role during the Saturday matinée. This year she also secured her second comedic role in a Kaufman and Hart play - the first, during her sophomore year as Maggie Cutler in The Man Who Came to Dinner and the second will be in April, her final Wolf Player performance, Grayson will perform the part of Penny Sycamore in You Can’t Take It With You. Her talent and versatility has made her a fixture on the Wesleyan stage. In the fall she appeared in The Odyssey as the Muse and Calypso - very appropriate for someone whose inspiration and energy have been her strengths. Congratulations, Grayson!

Artist Market - Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 20th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market. The Artist Market is a cherished annual event at Wesleyan, and sponsorships are vital to the market's success. Sponsorships also allow us to return more net dollars to the school and it’s Fine Arts programs. Family sponsorships are available starting at $150 and can easily be done online at https://payments.wesleyanschool.org/artist-market-sponsorship/.
Be Original. Be Present. #BEBOLD

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Mackenzie Madison

For her enthusiasm, effort, and dedication to her work, 8th grade Advanced Art student, Mackenzie Madison, has been chosen as this week's Fine Arts Member of the Week.Mackenzie gives 110% to every class project; she comes into the studio outside of class time and often takes work home. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm towards her work have been contagious among her peers, especially as the class recognizes Mackenzie’s outstanding projects and ever-growing skills. It seems that Mackenzie will succeed at anything she puts her mind to because of her incredible determination! Congratulations, Mackenzie!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Noah Walton

Noah has been in Middle School Band for four years. He is multi-talented, playing French Horn and percussion. Noah is also a fine singer and actor. He continues to land roles in several of the MS plays and musicals. In May he will take on the role of Mr. Buckett in the middle school musical, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Noah has participated in Basketball Band, Marching Band and Winter Drumline throughout his years in Middle School. Noah gladly shares his gift in music and is an incredible mentor to the younger students in the band. Congratulations, Noah!

Fine Arts Members of the Week - Sarah Moon and Norah Bishop

The Fine Arts Members of the Week will both be featured as student artists at the 2018 Wesleyan Artist Market. Sarah Moon, 12th grade, and Norah Bishop, 8th grade, are this week's Fine Arts Members of the Week. Both students participated in the Artist Market last year and will have booths in the student art section at the Artist Market again this year. The 2018 Wesleyan Artist Market will run from April 26 through April 28.
Sarah is a senior in AP Art and an established artist specializing in painting, illustration, and printmaking. Sarah has won multiple Silver Key Scholastic Awards for her art, was a district finalist at the All State Art Awards, and one of her paintings was featured in the Atlanta Dogwood Festival last year. She received a scholarship for SCAD Summer Seminar classes that she attended last summer.
Norah is a self-taught artist and has developed an animated, cartoon style of drawing. Norah spends a lot of her time drawing, both for fun and for profit.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Felicia Wang

Felicia Wang, 9th grade, is a tremendously gifted flutist. She contributes her talents to the symphonic band and has already received several accolades for her contributions so far this semester. She was selected to participate in the UGA Band Festival and was placed as 5th chair in the 2nd highest band (out of 8 bands). She recently performed with the GMEA District Honor Band, and in March, she will be performing with the GMEA All-State Band in which she earned 3rd chair! We are proud of Felicia!

Scholastic Art Award Regional Winners

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12. Since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth, and provided opportunities to celebrate creative teens. The awards have recognized some of America’s most celebrated artists while they were teenagers, including Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Idelle Weber, Ken Burns, Paul Chan and Kay WalkingStick. We are proud to count some of our students among these esteemed Scholastic Awards alumni! Overall, Wesleyan won 8 Gold Keys, 13 Silver Keys, and 15 Honorable Mentions, the most we have ever received as a school. Our Gold Key recipients will now go on to compete at the National Level.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Alexa Chase

Alexa Chase is a 4th grade student in Mrs. Moody’s class and has been chosen as this week’s Fine Arts Member of the Week. Alexa is an outstanding music student, always giving her best effort whether she is leading praise and worship music as a chapel singer, playing the recorder, learning the Easter Play songs, or participating in our class discussions. She is working on an original composition - a song about helping those in need – combining her beautiful singing voice with her compassion for others! Congratulations, Alexa! You are a talented music student and a wonderful leader in 4th grade music!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Sara Marie Miller

Sara Marie Miller is this week’s Fine Arts Member of the Week. Sara Marie is a 5th grade student; she took art class last semester and demonstrated talent, humility, and an eagerness to learn. Her watercolor butterfly was chosen for the Arts Alliance note card compilation pack. She spent her class time working hard to master new techniques, and classmates were always interested in seeing her work. Sara Marie exemplifies the JOY motto with her humble spirit and desire to encourage others in their work. Congratulations, Sara Marie! We can’t wait to see how your talent grows throughout your years at Wesleyan.

Marching Band Information Meeting

Ever wonder what marching band is all about? Interested in becoming a member? All current 6th–11th grade students and parents are invited to a Marching Band Information Meeting to learn more about the 2018 Marching Band season. We will discuss the schedule and commitment, and you will hear from current Marching Band parents and students about their experiences. There will also be time for questions to be answered. If you cannot attend, but are still interested in getting information, please email Jeff Foster at jfoster@wesleyanschool.org.

What? Wesleyan Marching Band Information Night

Where? High School Band room in the Fine Arts building

When? Monday, February 5, from 6:30pm-7:15pm

Beauty and the Beast

Reserve your tickets for the high school musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Show times are Wednesday, January 31, at 6:30pm, Thursday, February 1, at 7:00pm, Friday, February 2, at 7:00pm, and Saturday, February 3, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Click here to get your tickets!

All State Art Symposium Awards

Congratulations to the following All State Art Symposium Award winners! Wesleyan has 2 state finalists and 3 District Finalists in the state-wide, highly selective All State Art Symposium. Sarah Moon (12), Lauren Bell (12), and Grace Halley (12) were selected as finalists at the district level. Ashton Cameron (12) and Madeline Benfield (12) were selected as state finalists! The All-State Symposium received a huge number of submissions, and the competition at the district level was very intense.

Their work will now move on to state-level judging and will also be exhibited at the All State Art Symposium Exhibit at Columbus State University in March. Please congratulate these students when you see them!

Fine Arts Members of the Week - Jaucqir LaFond and Sarah Lim

We have two Fine Arts Members of the Week again this week! Please join us in congratulating Jaucqir LaFond and Sarah Lim for their achievements and contributions within the Fine Arts program at Wesleyan. Click "Read More" for details about each student!

Fine Arts Members of the Week - Holland Ragsdale and Madeline Benfield

Please join us in congratulating Holland Ragsdale and Madeline Benfield. Both students are being recognized as this week's Fine Arts Members of the Week. Click "Read More" for details about the accomplishments of these two students.

Student Art Card Winners

Congratulations to the following art students! A winner was chosen from each grade-level for the annual student art card fundraisier sponsored by the Wesleyan Arts Alliance. This year's theme year was “JOY”. Good job, art students!

Kindergarten: Hudson Higgons
Pre-1st Grade: Lilia Blaivas
1st Grade: Hampton Hene
2nd Grade: Ella Johnson
3rd Grade: Jack Bennison
4th Grade: Ava Singh
5th Grade: Sara M. Miller
6th Grade: Kathryn Seligman
7th Grade: Elsa Moore
8th Grade: Tinsley Bertram
9the Grade: Caroline Bryson
10th Grade: Emily Kelly (Best Overall)
11th Grade: Olivia Curran
12th Grade: Ashton Cameron

Arts Alliance Newsletter

The Wesleyan Arts Alliance is excited to welcome the Christmas season to campus. It's time to wrap up a strong semester, a time to enjoy our families, and most importantly, a time to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior. This fall has been action packed with many accomplishments in the arts including a beautiful Middle School Chorus concert and an action-packed middle school production of the Comic Book Artist. Additionally, the Marching Wolves made school history by placing 1st in the Single A Division at the Bands of America Super Regional Marching Band Competition and lower school students put on several wonderful performances. Click "Read More" for more news from the Arts Alliance and for details about the must-see Fine Arts events happening on campus before Christmas Break.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Skyler Williams

10th grade student, Skyler Williams, is a member of marching band and symphonic band. Skyler embodies the ideal of leading by example. While bringing tremendous talent to the table, he does not rest on that talent alone; his work ethic and desire for excellence is an inspiration to those around him. He leads in the classroom and is well-respected by his peers. Somehow in “all of his free time” he manages to play percussion in the orchestra pit for the musicals, play drums in the high school chapel band, and plays drums in the orchestra at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Skyler is an asset to the band program at Wesleyan!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Leandro Haddad

Senior, Leandro Haddad, is a huge asset to the Wesleyan Fine Arts program. He has performed roles in shows including Godspell, Kiss Me Kate, The Crucible, and The Odyssey. Last year, Leandro was named to the All-Star cast during the One-Act competition. He is in his 3rd year singing in the Wesleyan Literary Boys Quartet – with one state title in hand. This year he will also lead our Literary Team competing in Boys Solo. He is a founding member of Wesleyan’s Karaoke Club. Leandro’s next performance is December 4th in the Wesleyan Chorus Christmas Concert.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Lauren Balch

8th grade student, Lauren Balch, is currently in 2D Art. She is being recognized for the outstanding effort that she consistently puts forth into all of her work and for the great success that has followed with each of her projects! Lauren is so enthusiastic about her artwork and always seems motivated to do her best. She uses her class-time wisely and is often the first one finished. Lauren has been able to offer help to other students as they finish their work, which everyone always seems to appreciate. Lauren works as well in a group as she does independently. Lauren uses and grows the gifts that God has given her, which is truly a blessing to witness.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Scout and Ever Ezzell

Two sisters, Scout and Ever Ezzell, have been chosen as this week's Fine Arts Members of the Week. Both girls are 3rd grade students and members of the Lower School Choristers. They are talented singers that try their best and put themselves out there for extra roles whenever an opportunity arises. They actively participate in our discussions and always have something thoughtful to add.

Scout and Ever set a beautiful example in their quiet, yet confident way, of how to behave in both music class and in choristers – leading their peers and younger students to listen, follow directions, and do their best job. Congratulations Ever and Scout! You are both talented, kind, and respectful young ladies, and we are thankful for your contributions to the lower school music program!

Student Art Cards

All visual art students in lower, middle, and high school have been hard at work preparing artwork that will be showcased on personalized notecards available for purchase. The artwork theme this year is JOY. Notecard packs are ON SALE NOW through November 3. All orders will be delivered before Thanksgiving break. Click here to order today and "Read More" for details.

Arts Alliance Membership

Membership with the Wesleyan Arts Alliance helps enhance all arts programs at Wesleyan, including chorus, drama, band, photography, theater, visual arts, all Lower School class plays, and more. All students at Wesleyan are impacted by the arts in some way. Join today and help us continue the tradition of excellence! Click here to join online, or click here to print a membership form. Click "Read More" for additional details.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Mary Margaret Woods

This week’s Fine Arts Member of the Week is 7th grader Mary Margaret Woods. Mary Margaret is in her second year in chorus, sang a beautiful solo at the Fall Chorus Concert earlier this month, and represented Wesleyan at District 13 Honor Chorus in Athens, Georgia this past weekend. You can also find Mary Margaret leading the Middle School in worship as a member of the Chapel Band. It is clear that Mary Margaret is using her gifts to glorify God both at Wesleyan and beyond. Congratulations, Mary Margaret!

Comic Book Artist

The first middle school production of the year, Comic Book Artist, continues this week in Lencke Theater. Remaining show times are Thursday, October 26, at 4:30pm and Friday, October 27, at 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Click here to reserve your tickets!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Izzy Rodriguez

10th grade student, Izzy Rodriguez, is the Fine Arts Member of the Week. She is a member of the Marching Wolves color guard, and you would never know it’s her first year on guard! She looks like a seasoned veteran performing on the field. Her success is driven by a tremendously positive attitude and work ethic. She is also a talented clarinetist and participates in Symphonic Band. We are thankful for Izzy; she is making a positive impact at Wesleyan!

Fine Arts - October Update

Click here to view the Fine Arts Update for the month of October.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Nadia Thieriot

We are overjoyed to share with you our Fine Arts Member of the week, Nadia Thieriot. Nadia is playing the role of Narrator in the upcoming production of Comic Book Artist. She does such a wonderful job of telling our story with flair and confidence; she’s sure to suck every audience member into the world of comic books. Not only is Nadia an upstanding actor on stage, she is a wonderful example to her cast mates off stage. She is thoughtful, kind, humble, and always prepared!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Alexa Chase

Alexa Chase, 4th grade student in Mrs. Moody’s class, shines in all that she does. In art, she is incredibly focused, eager to learn new skills, and ready to apply what she has learned to her next art project. She gives great attention to detail and never rushes to finish. Always willing to help a classmate, she is a great leader in the classroom. Keep up the good work, Alexa!

Fall Chorus Concert

The middle and high school chorus classes are proud to present their Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:00pm in Powell Theater. Several songs will coincide with this year’s Christian Life theme. Other selections include folk songs, Disney, and spirituals. All are invited to a reception following the concert in DuBose Dining Hall.

Oconee Classic Marching Band Competition

The band competed in the Oconee Classic Marching Band Competition at Baldwin High School in Milledgeville, this past Saturday.

The band elected to move up a division to AA for competition, even though they were the smallest band in the contest and the only band with middle school students participating. Wesleyan ended the day with the 3rd highest band score! They had the highest “General Effect” score in the entire competition! Click "Read More" for additional details.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Lexi Mellott

Senior Lexi Mellott has been a member of the Wesleyan Chamber Singers and Wolf Players all four years of high school. She sings with the competition Girls Trio, the Wesleyan Chapel Band, and is a founding member of the Karaoke Club. Her acting credits include roles in The Apple Tree, The Canterbury Tales, Hot Mikado, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Godspell, Kiss Me Kate, The Crucible, and The Odyssey. Lexi was named Best Actress in the Region One Act Competition in both 2014 and 2015. She headlines this year’s Winter Musical as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Her next performance will be Wednesday, October 4, with the Chamber Singers in the fall chorus concert. Way to go, Lexi!

The Odyssey

The first Wolf Players production of the year, The Odyssey, opens this week in Powell Theater. Show times are Thursday, September 28, at 7:00pm, Friday, September 29, at 7:00pm, and Saturday, September 30, at 2:00pm. You can reserve your tickets here https://wesleyanschool.thundertix.com/events.

Comic Book Artist

Tickets are also available for the first Junior Wolf Players production of the year, Comic Book Artist, in Lencke Theater. Show times are Friday, October 20, at 4:30pm and 6:30pm, Saturday, October 21, at 2:00pm and 4:00pm, Thursday, October 26, at 4:30pm, and Friday, October 27, at 4:30pm and 6:30pm. Reserve your tickets here https://wesleyanschool.thundertix.com/events.

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Darby Carroll

Darby, a senior, has performed regularly on the Wesleyan stage since her freshman year. She currently plays Athena in The Odyssey, the goddess who takes pity on Odysseus and assists him on his journey home. Other major roles include Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. To finish out her senior year, Darby will play Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in February, and Alice in You Can’t Take It With You in April – her final Wesleyan performance. Congratulations, Darby!

Fine Arts Member of the Week - Andrew Metz

Andrew Metz, 8th grade, has been a loyal Middle School Band member for 4 years, playing both the tuba and the euphonium. Although it is not well known, Andrew also plays percussion. To further his love for music, Andrew joined the Marching Wolves and has been a member for the past 2 years. Andrew is a musical leader in the low brass section of the Advanced Band, and he also makes time to mentor students in 5th and 6th grade who are just learning how to play their instrument. We are blessed to have such a talented and caring person as part of the band program. Congratulations, Andrew!

Theatre Program Advertisements

Advertise your business and support Wesleyan theatre for the 2017-18 season by placing an advertisement in our printed theatre programs. Spots start at $100 and run in the programs for all five shows. Click here to view the order form with complete details. Reserve your space today; payment and artwork are due by Friday, September 1. Have questions? Contact Lisa Smith at billandlisa@att.net.

Arts News

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