Art Program Remains Small But Looks to Build Momentum
Mr. Mei’s Media Arts Class. Photo: Shiying Xu
By ARIELLE DORSET
For years, Midwood has been best known for math and science while the arts lurked in the shadows. But with the arrival of new principal Dr. Robert Quinlan, this colorful aspect of the school's culture has taken a step toward the limelight.
“My previous school was Brooklyn High School of the Arts,” Dr. Quinlan said. “I’ve seen the power of what the arts can do in a school. They allow students to showcase their talents through another medium aside from academic studies and athletics.”
Despite all the attention given to STEM, visual arts teacher Ms. Dawn Daoundakis, who has been teaching since 1997, believes art still has as much value today as it ever did.
“When people think of art they think of popular or ‘high’ art, but we’ve learned history through how people depicted their surroundings, you know,” she said. “Art truly is everywhere.”
In art classes, students learn how to tell visual stories and use their imaginations to the fullest extent. These courses also allow kids to build on strengths they may have already had.
Auguste Descarfino, a junior taking a graphic design course, is no stranger to the rabbit hole that is art.
“It lets me appreciate different things,” he said. “A lot of my style is derived from what I’ve looked at and liked.”
This year has seen two new art showcases: the first ever Muesum of Midwood Art event in December, with a coinciding award in memory of artist and Midwood alumnus Robert Grossman, and a display of African-American art to celebrate Black History Month this Feburary.
Many agree that the Midwood Arts program still has a long way to go. There are currently only two art teachers: Ms. Daoundakis and Mr. Henry Mei.
Mr. Mei, the school’s only CTE (Career and Technical Education) Media Arts teacher, said that the lack of colleagues makes it “hard to expand on ideas and collaborate.” Most students don’t even know his program exists, he said. But this year’s renewed enthusiasm for art-based events has made him optimistic.
“Midwood is more academic-based, but with our new principal, arts are being appreciated in a new light,” said Mr. Mei. “Students are being offered more opportunities.”
Descarfino said, “For a school as big as Midwood, with such a large population of diverse backgrounds and interests, something as unique as art should be valued. Math and science aren’t for everyone.”
The art program creates a fun, safe environment where kids can be kids, and branching out or being different isn’t looked down upon.
“[Art class] helped me turn random thoughts into legit ideas,” said sophomore Finn Berger.
The student body's diversity and love for the program means that the rewards run both ways.
“My students make my job fulfilling,” said Ms. Daoundakis. “Being an art educator, I’m learning more because students come from so many different parts of the world; it just makes it feel more cultural.”
The teaching staff’s goal is to not make art a class where students just sit and follow instructions. They want students to use their own minds and skillsets to create something they can be proud of.
“Art touches upon everything we do,” said Ms. Daoundakis. “Just keep creating.”