Clad in a purple suit, senior Casper Stockman clanged his cymbals together during his George Slick recital performance on June 3.
“I doubt I’ll be given another opportunity where I can take such a weird idea and bring it to life. It was really nice to be able to enjoy it on stage,” Stockman said.
Former Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (WSSD) superintendent George H. Slick (1978-1996 and 2006-2007) created the George H. Slick Arts Fellowship to recognize high-level students in Strath Haven’s performing and visual arts program.
“We are looking for people who are looking to play or learn at a level that is above and beyond the curriculum at Strath Haven,” Pignataro said. “It’s a chance for [students] to do something they wouldn’t normally get to do in their regular ensembles or their everyday art classes.”
To apply, performing arts students must submit either a 10-minute long video showcasing their art, which can include instrumental music, composition, dance, theater, and more.
For visual art students, they must submit an 8-10 piece portfolio of their digital, 2D, or 3D work, which can include drawings, photographs, animations, and more. Each application should include a two-page or less essay explaining their passion and interest in their art form and the Fellowship.
Freshman Anya Zhu applied for the opportunity to convey her passion for piano and physical art to the community.
“I like being able to passionately play my music…[and] use my creativity in everything I draw,” Zhu said. “I want the opportunity to be able to showcase my music and some of the other artworks I’ve been working hard on.”
Seeing a comfort and expression in art, freshman applicant Emma Clouse finds a passion for flute and modern and jazz dance.
“[Art] can be so expressive,” Clouse said. “If I’m stressed I [can] always go to either one of my dance classes or go play the flute or another instrument and it makes me feel better.”
After playing ensemble for Stockman’s recital, junior and George Slick Fellow Sophia Shao was inspired to incorporate similar elements in her upcoming performance.
“Something that I definitely want to include in my own recital is a student ensemble because something that’s made music so rewarding for me is being able to meet and connect with new people through this shared language that we have,” Shao said.
According to Shao, the support from her friends and family have been an invaluable part of her artistic journey.
“It’s been over a decade now and I truly just think that it’s something that I can’t thank my parents and my teachers enough for giving me that opportunity because it’s just truly brought so much into my life and I think that’s made me a better person,” Shao said.
Each year, the Endowment Committee considers the applications with much deliberation.
“We take this decision really seriously. It’s easy for us to know who we think is really worthy of the awards, but it’s hard for us too, because every submission is always really good,” Pignataro said.
Although submitting the application can feel stressful, sophomore Shannon Yue, the George H. Slick Arts Fellow for the Class of 2028, emphasizes that showing dedication to art is the most important part.
“Even if you don’t win, it’s a great way to show that you are dedicated to arts and music,” said Yue. “Create not because you want to make a career out of it…but just for the fact that you enjoy doing [it], you know, just because it’s your passion and it makes you happy.”
Yue is preparing pieces for her showcase next year, where she hopes to draw inspiration from a previous George Slick showcase by alumni Charlie Detweiler ’25, particularly in the setting of the Community Arts Center.
“[Preparing for the showcase] will just help me stay focused on creating meaningful art…if I have an art showcase, I have to work towards a certain theme,” Yue said.
The applications were due on April 10 at 3:00 p.m. The Fellow(s) for the Class of 2029 will be announced at Shao’s George Slick recital on June 2 in the auditorium.
“Art is important because it’s a form of self expression. It helps you — for some — it can process your emotions. It’s how you can put something into the world, leave your mark in the world,” Yue said.
