Art is a Verb

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) held it’s highly anticipated art event, Art is a Verb on Friday, June 1, 2018. The space was surrounded by art hanging off of eclectic looking stands, tables filled with various types of art demonstrating the wide range of media used by student artists of different abilities and age levels. Every corner was filled with drawings, sculptures, mosaics, paintings and more. What was not on display however, was the many other ways Art is a Verb, such as dance, poetry, singing and playing musical instruments.

Under the direction of  Middle Years Program (MYP) Interdisciplinary Art, Diploma Program (DP) Visual Art & Art Coordinator, Jana ferguson, Art is a Verb was created with hopes of “showcasing student talents/artwork throughout the MYP, DP and elementary Art club” commented Feguson. The entire production was student led with different grades in charge of different aspects and pieces of the production. “This is a student led show, grade 10 students develop a marketing plan- in conjunction with their Individuals & Societies class. Other grades serve as the panel for the presentations the 10th graders put it together.  From there, a group is chosen as the leader.  Their plan is the layout for the show and all students have their own role to make it a success” commented Feguson, adding that “we have so much talent within our student body- who wouldn't want to see that?!”

Organizing and hanging the artwork is always the most challenging aspect for the students at VIMISA due to the fact that the show is set up and torn down in one day.  The students did a fantastic job, were efficient and exceeded any expectations.  “Our student have so much talent and deserve the spotlight to shine!” added Ferguson.

 Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos, Peter Gruber International Academy dance teacher was in charge of the majority of dance performances featured that night. One of the biggest acts was by senior Kobe Potter. Every year, one senior decides to take on the challenge of choreographing for the entire class 14 dancers this year, this year it was Potter. “Once she choreographs, she has a few weeks to teach the class and then must record and send her recording to an examiner for External Assessment” commented Sidiropoulos, adding that she does not get to give DP Dancers a grade on their creative work. Grades will be made available in July. 

Showcasing the dancers is meant to help our students build confidence & stage presence and above all, to share their gifts & inspire others. “Challenges include getting the male dancers to be confident, execute the steps correctly, perform with umph and smile...for the ladies, challenges include trusting your partner will hold and catch you” said Sidiropoulos.

The crowd especially loved Sidiropoulos’ Diploma Program dancers performing Bachata to “Promise” featuring five alumni – having just graduated two weeks ago!

Art truly is a verb!