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"To Step Out, To Lead"

As the capstone to their spring semester, our eighth graders take on the Αρχω (ARCO) competition—named for the Greek word meaning “to begin something from something, to step out, to lead.” It’s a fitting title for a challenge that asks each boy to look back at what he’s learned and use it to create something entirely new, entirely his own.  

The interdisciplinary experience blends scholarship with history, art, analysis, and rhetoric. First, each boy studies a work of art by a modern artist of his choice, writes a brief biography of the artist and a reflection on the process he used to create his original homage, and shares the meaning or message that his work seeks to portray. Often these reflect where the boys are in their lives at this time, grateful for their years spent with classmates and teachers, excited - perhaps a bit nervous - to be on the brink of something new.

In the final stage of the project, boys present their work and rationale to a panel of judges made up of professionals in the art field, who evaluate which project most meaningfully and artistically honors the selected artist, yet with an original twist or perspective. This year, Tyler W., was named winner for his homage to Kara Walker, above. Honorable mentions included: James C. (Brian Clarke), Lucas C. (Chuck Close), Luca J. (Barbara Hepworth), and Hank M. (Cindy Sherman). Their pieces represented a variety of diverse media, including textile (crochet), stained glass, photography, painting, and abstract sculpture.




Our schoolwide theme “excel” was on display throughout this project: in the impressive quality and creativity of the boys’ art; in the layers of deep thought and meaning conveyed through symbolism, philosophy, psychology; and in the quiet confidence each boy exuded as he divulged why he selected a certain artist or work, the challenges he encountered along the way, and the lessons he learned.

Tomorrow afternoon, these young men will be Saint David's grads. They are ready to step out, to lead. Ut viri boni sint. 


http://www.saintdavids.org


 


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