Posts about Visual Art
June 2, 2023
2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Congratulations to the 2023 winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. We wanted to celebrate the inspiring student work from BASIS Independent Brooklyn this year by sharing the work with our community. Students have created visually stunning and meaningful imagery, and we wanted to share many of the pieces honored by Scholastic in the hopes of inspiring others. We are proud to see them brilliantly uphold the BASIS Independent Brooklyn standard for setting the bar high for our school community and rising to meet those goals.
"Our students' hard work has led to great outcomes," commented Head of School Josh Harmon. "I'm proud of their creativity and the execution that earned them their awards. Thank you to our teachers for inspiring and guiding our students to express themselves and capture their unique perspectives."
February 17, 2022
2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Congratulations to the 2022 winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. We are thrilled to celebrate the inspiring student work from BASIS Independent Brooklyn, which spanned more categories than in years past. Students have created visually stunning and meaningful imagery, and we wanted to share many of the pieces honored by Scholastic. We are proud to see them brilliantly uphold the BASIS Independent Brooklyn standard for setting the bar high for our school community and rising to meet those goals.
"Expression represents the highest order of thinking, and we are enthralled by the depth and quality of student work," commented Head of School Hadley Ruggles. "Thank you to our teachers for inspiring greatness and individuality among our students."
May 7, 2021
Student Art Gracing 2021-2022 Communication Journal Covers
One tradition we are proud to continue this year is featuring student art on our 2021-2022 Communication Journal (CJ) covers. Creativity and expression through the Fine Arts thrived during the pandemic, and we received very strong entries to consider from across the grades. It is our honor now to unveil the art gracing our CJ covers next year!
Gr. 9-12 CJ Covers
Courtney H. '22 designed a very elegant version of our mascot on the Manhattan Bridge for our 2021-2022 cover. Luca S. '22 imagined a giant, mutant bear roaming through New York City skyscrapers like Godzilla for our back cover.
February 26, 2021
2021 Scholastic Art Awards
Congratulations to the 2021 winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. We are thrilled to celebrate the inspiring student work, which in many instances powerfully documented life during the pandemic. Students have created visually stunning and meaningful imagery, and we wanted to share many of the pieces honored by Scholastic. We are proud to see them brilliantly uphold the BASIS Independent standard for setting the bar high for our school and entire community.
Across BASIS Independent Brooklyn and Manhattan, 19 students were recognized with a total of 40 awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.
April 3, 2020
Scholastic Arts 2020 Awards
Congratulations to the 2020 winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. We are thrilled to celebrate their great work, which we hope provides a diversion during such a time of uncertainty. These students have created visually stunning and meaningful imagery, and we are proud to see them brilliantly uphold the BASIS Independent standard for setting the bar high for our school and entire community.
January 30, 2017
Why You Need to Know About the Red Hook Art Project
Modeling civic responsibility for our children is more important now than ever. Right here in Red Hook, there are many organizations making a significant difference in the lives of under-served families that could use help. One of these great non-profits is the Red Hook Art Project, and it is located just two blocks away from BASIS Independent Brooklyn in a simple townhouse on a residential street. You have probably passed it on your way to or from the school, but you may not be aware of the great work being done inside.
November 1, 2016
Exploring the Spark in the Classroom: Mr. Opirhory's Art History Projects
Just recently, BASIS Independent Brooklyn sixth grade students were challenged by our newest Visual Arts faculty member, Mr. Opirhory, to step into the shoes of Neolithic humans. Students broke into teams and began exploring design elements of Neolithic structures using only materials available at the time. The project fell on the heels of their History unit on early river civilizations. The idea was to make connections across classes and bring to life the challenges communities faced moving from nomadic life in the Paleolithic Era to agricultural living in stationary structures in the Neolithic.
April 27, 2016
8th Graders Kristin and Kimora Take Home Wins from 2016 New York City Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Lately, our communication channels have been filled with news and stories of student success from our sister campuses. We recently announced the astounding college acceptances of our first graduating class at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and hot off the press week of April 18th are national high school rankings from The Washington Post and U.S. News and World Report, both of which featured BASIS.ed schools prominently at the top. Though only in our second year here in New York City, we have so much to be proud of here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn and many student accomplishments to celebrate. We're excited to share exciting city-wide recognition of students Kristin and Kimora at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and look forward to more instances of recognition of the incredible work of our students.
Kimora (L) and Kristin surrounded by art in our Visual Arts studio
BASIS Independent Brooklyn is known for a curriculum with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. What isn't as well-known is that fact that BASIS Independent Schools have a robust art program with daily exposure to fine arts in the primary years with a cycle of focus on fine arts, performing arts, and music. In middle school years, we offer students a daily fine arts elective that remains their focus for the entire year, allowing students to dive deeply into a specific artistic discipline of their choice. This academic year, we offer electives in visual arts, performing arts, band, guitar, and choir.
As is the case with all disciplines taught at BASIS Independent, the goal of our electives isn’t just superficial memorization or duplication; it’s true fluency and mastery, a point proven by Kristin and Kimora, current 8th graders and students in our Visual Arts elective course. We also make a point to present students with opportunities and encourage them to compete in academic and non academic competitions. Kimora and Kristin recently won the Silver Key award and an Honorable Mention, respectively, at the 2016 New York City Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, judged by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Regional winners have their work displayed in public and go on to compete nationally. Former recipients include artists Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Kay WalkingStick, and John Baldessari, and writers Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Maya Goldberg, and Joyce Carol Oates. Not bad company!
Kimora and her Fantastic Landscape
"Kristin's work took thousands of pen strokes..." - Ms. Warshaw
Welcome!
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! Brooklyn is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.