Youth Arts Day & Music Fest

Deadline: February 12th for Student Submissions

2010 Clean-Up & Green-Up Poster Contest

Wonderful Scholarship Opportunity for High School Senior involved in the arts!!

Deadline: February 1, 2010

Arts for Life! ScholarshipThe Foundation for Excellence in Education is accepting applications for the Arts for Life! scholarship from graduating high school seniors for their outstanding achievement in the arts. To be considered for the scholarship, public, private or home education program students must submit a completed application, a brief essay explaining “How the arts have positively influenced my life,” and a sample of their work in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual arts. Each of the 25 winners will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship toward their pursuit of the arts in higher education, and have an opportunity to showcase their arts discipline through performance and exhibition at a luncheon in their honor. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 1, 2010. Contact the Foundation for Excellence in Education at (850) 391-4090 or visit http://www.excelined.org/ for more information.

Participation in the Cultural Passport Program

On behalf of Mr. Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Schools:

Congratulations! Felix Varela and feeder pattern have been selected to pilot the Cultural Passport Program, a new educational initiative which will provide all students, grades K-12, with a different cultural field experience each school year. Every student will visit museums and art galleries, and experience live musical, theatrical, and dance performances throughout the course of their education. To ensure a well-rounded experience for all students, a different cultural theme or focus will be designated for each grade level; e.g., music, theatre, art, dance.

Art Basel Reflection by Sasha Perez

This year was my first time attending Art Basel and surely it will not be my last. I enjoyed so much all the different types of works I saw. I was almost like a child on Christmas morning, just waiting to be surprised by the next present I opened. Anything and everything a person could possibly think of, was in Art Basel. It was even like a maze you coulnd't help but get lost into, one second you were walking and seeing the work of Botero, and then the next-Warhol. Especially seeing an actual Andy Warhol piece was absolutely like being in heaven-maybe not quite. Some artist even surprised me with their works, showing ideas many would probalby not even think of using in a piece of art. It was great learning experience, one that I will take with me and learn from. Now all I can do is wait and get ready to be blown away by the next Art Basel. Woohoo!

-Sasha Perez, 12th grade

VIPER wins at Orange Bowl FedEx Contest

Dillon Shah, student at Felix Varela senior High School is the GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the Orange Bowl Creative Arts Contest. Dillon has won a $1,000 Savings Bond, two tickets to the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl game at land Shark Stadium, recognition during on-field presentation at the 2010 Orange Bowl and FREE Burritos from Chipolte Grill for one year.

The artwork will be featured in a full page ad in the FedEx Orange Bowl game program !

Congrats to Dillon and the Visual Arts department

GO VIPERS !!!!!

Art Basel Experience by Karla Martinez

My experience at Art Basel was like no other, it taught me a lot about the art world and what it is they are looking for. It taught me to limit myself less and be more free and creative with my own artwork. It definitely pushed me to work harder and not give up my dream to pursue a career in the arts. Art Basel was the first art exhibition I had attended and honestly I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, they had a variety of different things to see. Some were simple but still great in their own way while others were complex and just overwhelming. I am definitely looking forward for Art Basel next year; it is an event I will not miss and really can’t wait.

-Karla Martinez, 12th grade

Art Basel Reflection

My Experience at the Art Basel was one of the most thrilling experiences. As soon as I walked into the exhibit I became very intrigued and anxious to get to the artwork and the famous pieces. I was very lucky to see an Andy Warhol piece hanging in one of the galleries. Many of the Art pieces made me very curious of what the artist was thinking when they were in the process of making it. I liked the diversity of all the pieces in the museum. Most of the pieces inspired me to really practice more of my art work and I got numerous ideas from all of the artwork. I truly enjoyed my visit at the Art Basel and plan on going next year as well.

- Sayleen 12th grade

Dali Museum Field Trip...

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Felix Varela Art Appreciation, Art Club and 4th year art students will be venturing to St. Petersburg, FL to the Dali Museum. Cost per student is $28. Please remember to turn in your payment with your signed field trip form to Mrs. Haibi Figuera in room 327.

The museum has asked the students to please abide by the following rules:

? Group tours are not private. We cannot prevent members of the general public from joining.
? One volunteer docent will be scheduled per group. Your docent can only be guaranteed at the scheduled tour time indicated .

? Group tours consist of 10 or more students. Groups of 50 or more will be given a lower gallery tour lasting 30-45 minutes.
? Food, Beverages, and Backpacks are not allowed in the museum. They must be left in your bus or vehicle.
? All cell phones must be turned off while in the gallery.

Please feel free to visit the Dali Museum web site: http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/

Art Basel Reflection by Kristina Camara

I recently had the priveledge of attending Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and it was an extremely inspiring experience to say the least. Before I even got to see any of the pieces, I made sure to keep an open mind about what I was soon to be exposed to. I was surprised to discover the many different forms of media and drastic varieties the artists used to create their pieces -- although most artists stuck to one media throughout their compliations, there was no monotony whatsoever throughout the entire exhibition. From elaborate 3-D pieces of artwork that consisted of things such as moving, talking and singing heads to a compilation of random work such as organized scribbles and scratchwork, nothing I laid eyes upon was underestimated or undervalued. The creativity within the walls of Art Basel was overwhelming; aside from feeling inspired, I was actually rather disappointed that I wasn't allowed to bring neither a sketchbook or camera to keep the artwork I had admired in something other than just my memory.
Visiting Art Basel made me desire nothing more than to grow as an artist. With new ideas in mind, I have gained the realization that potential for artwork lies is any form of creation: as long as I consider it complete, it could be considered "art," even if only in my own eyes.

-Kristina Camara, 12th grade

Computer Art

Alexandra Soto
11th grade
Computer Art

Medium: Photoshop

Title: "Illustrated Quote"




Carlos Perez
11th grade
Computer Art
Title: "Vortex"
Date: 10/2009

Art Basel Reflection by Zeny Blanco

The Art Basel was a magnificent experience. All my life I’ve studied artists that seemed untouchable. The Art Basel felt like witnessing magic. Every artist that I admired was present there through their work. Ana Wilkes, Monica Bonvicini, Liu Ye, and many other artists’ work was displayed in the enormous Miami Beach Convention Center. My trip to the Art Basel was a culturally enriching event and I am very grateful that I got to go.

-Zeny Blanco, 12th grade
zenyblanco@gmail.com

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Seniors:
FAFSA application will be available as of January 1st. You and your parents may now request a PIN, which will be needed in order to complete and process the FAFSA. The PIN may be requested at: http://www.pin.ed.gov

All seniors should complete the Student Florida Financial Aid Application after December 1st. This application includes Bright Futures and other state scholarships and grants. Application is available at https://mail.dadeschools.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/. By completing this application, students may qualify to one or more of the programs listed below.

You must submit a completed application during your last year in high school (after December 1st and prior to graduation). You must apply during your last year in high school, before graduation, or you will forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship. To apply online, select “State Grants, Scholarships & Applications” and click on Student Application.”

Programs Offered
Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program

Cost of Attendance and Adult Norm-Referenced Disability Testing

Critical Teacher Shortage Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Critical Teacher Shortage Tuition Reimbursement Program

Ethics In Business Scholarship Program

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant

First Generation Matching Grant Program

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

NEW - Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program

Florida Resident Access Grant Program

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

Florida Work Experience Program

José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

Rosewood Family Scholarship Program

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service members

Talented Twenty Program

2009 Florida Legislative Changes
1. Students are NOT REQUIRED to enroll full-time to receive Bright Futures funding.
a. However, full-time students must earn 24 semester hours (or the equivalent) per academic year
b. Students who do not earn the required hours at the end of the 2009-10 academic year and thereafter may restore for subsequent academic years
2. Students MAY enroll part-time and receive Bright Futures funding.
a. Part-time students must enroll in a minimum of 6 hours per term (or the equivalent)
b. Part-time students must earn the required number of hours for which they were funded; see chart at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org/ssfad/bf/renewrequiredhrs.htm
3. Students must refund to their institution the cost of any dropped or withdrawn Bright Futures funded course.
4. Students will receive a flat cost per credit hour award during the 2009-10 academic year. Link here for the 2009-10 Bright Futures award amounts.
5. Florida Academic Scholars will not receive a college-related expense allowance for 2009-10.
6. Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars may no longer renew to Florida Medallion Scholars and may only receive funding for a total of 90 semester hours (or the equivalent).

Art Basel 2009 Guide

For those of you interested in attending Art Basel this weekend, SocialMiami.com and MAG Miami Art Guide, has made it very easy for you to go out by breaking up the events into sections and dates. Just click on the link below to see what is happening around town this weekend at Art Basel!

SocialMiami.com:
http://www.socialmiami.com/articles/Art-Basel-Miami-Beach.asp

MAG:
http://www.miamiartguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2516:art-basel-miami-beach-2009&catid=929&Itemid=100105

INTERNATIONAL ART BASEL MIAMI/ CARIBBEAN CANVAS: OPENING MULTITUDES-

Student Admission Discount - Art Basel 2009

This year Culture Shock Miami is giving students 13-22 Art Basel vouchers for $5. The regular price for students is $20

Here is the link:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&q=cultureshock%20miami%20art%20basel&search.x=0&search.y=0

They just have to show their student ID when they pick them up at the box office. Thought this might be something you want to share with your classes or any interested students.

Here is the link to the Art Basel website:

http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/go/id/ss/

VSA arts Announces International Collaborative Art Project

Deadline: February 5, 2010

Get out your art supplies and join people from around the world in a collaborative art project that will get us all thinking about disability. VSA arts is taking a creative approach to investigate how many ways people will interpret the same word. Create a visual representation of your experiences, impressions, and perceptions of disability on a printable postcard template and send it back to us. A selection of postcards received will be featured at the 2010 International VSA arts Festival in June.

This opportunity is open to everyone. We’re looking to involve people of different cultures, ethnicities, geographic locations, and abilities. You do not have to consider yourself an “artist” to participate. For additional information on this project and to download the postcard template, please visit www.vsarts.org/postcardproject.

Please send all postcards to:

Wendy Finklea
VSA arts of Florida
3500 E. Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, Florida 33613
wfinklea@coedu.usf.edu
813-558-5093

The Public Works...

LA artist Shepard Fairey in conjunction with Country Club, will present The Public Works – a large-scale public installation for this weekend’s Art Basel Miami. Shepard will transform an array of shipping containers on an empty lot in the city’s Wynwood district into a must-see urban mural. Public Works will be availble for viewing from December 3rd through the sixth, Dawn til Dusk. There will be an artist reception on Friday, December 4th from 10 AM to Noon at the installation site.

Mad About Miami: Artist Shepard Fairey is Coming Back for Basel By John Hood in Mad About Miami

Shepard Fairey, the man responsible for iconic imagery such as "Obey Giant" and Obama's "Hope" poster, made quite a splash during last year's Art Basel, especially when he got on the decks at The Red Room. And as the LA imagist tells New Times, this year his presence is sure to splash even larger.

We caught up with one of the art world's busiest operative on the eve of the release of Art for Obama: Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change (Abrams $22.50), a collection of some of the best art work done on behalf of our current president before he became so. The book, which Fairey co-curated with Evolutionary Media Group's Jennifer Gross, follows loosely on the heels of the 20th anniversary deluxe hardcover edition of his own OBEY: Supply & Demand (Gingko Press $59.95), a five-and-a-half pound retrospective that spans the man's entire career to date.

But we're here to hear about the MIA, and this is what Fairey had to say on that subject:

New Times: Wasn't that you spinning at the Shore Club during last year's Art Basel?

Shepard: Yeah, I was there. I deejayed at the Red Room.

Right. That was great. I only stayed for about 15-20 minutes it was so packed. Are you coming back this year?

Yeah, I'll be back. I'm going to be doing some murals and working with Jeffrey Deitch.

Great. Do you know where you're going to have an event this year?

I know he's doing something in the Wynwood District. There's going to be sort of an outdoor mural project. I'm also going to work with the Primary Flight guys who did some of the murals last year. So, I'll be involved in a couple projects, but I'm not 100 percent sure. But, I'm sure as it gets closer if I'm doing anything I'll post it on my website.

What do you think of Basel by the way?

I think it's a blast. There's always a lot of good art to see. People from all over the world that I might not run into otherwise. And there are always a lot of good parties. For me, it's a great all around experience. It's exhausting and overstimulating, but it's a lot of fun. I'm not there just to try to make connections and sell art. I'm there for the overall experience. So, I don't really mind that it's kind of a circus.

Actually, that's probably the most fun about it. Was last year your first Basel or had you been here before?

No, that was my third one. I came in 2006 or 2005.

And so you like Miami, I presume? Yeah I do. I like Miami. Do you have a favorite spot?

Yeah. I stayed at the Mondrian and it is beautifully designed. I did some art for the Morgans Hotel Group, so I got the hook up. Nice spot.

Web source:http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/crossfade/2009/10/artist_shepard_fairey_is_comin.php

My experience at the Rubell Contemporary art museum by Lauren Mercado

My experience at the Rubell Contemporary art museum was amazing especially meeting Mera Rubell herself. The Museum was inspiring with the variety of contemporary art by various artists. It was great experiencing everything also being in the presence of so many artists great sketchbooks like Keith Harring. It was truly a breath taking experience.

- Lauren Mercado, 11th

Photographs of Art Club students at Museum:

Rubell Family Collection Field Trip

On November 18, 2009, Felix Varela Art Club students attended the Rubell Family Collection to meet and greet owner and art collector Mera Rubell in addition to a spectacular accumulation of artwork.

"Inside Our Process Rubell Family
We only show art we own. That is a founding principle of the Rubell Family Collection, a principle that gives us tremendous freedom and enormous constraints. When we set out to conceptualize a new exhibition, we know we will only get the depth and quality we seek if we already have a strong foundation of works by a core group of artists. Once the exhibition is determined, we then collect into it, buying works that we consider essential right up to the closing date for the catalogue, just one month before the opening of the show..." http://rfc.museum/