Summer Break!

Well the year has all but come to an end, tomorrow is graduation and the studio is looking bare like a tree stripped of its leaves in the fall.  This time of year always makes me (and from my experience students also) pretty sentimental.  It has been a whirlwind of a year at CAPA.  For myself it was a fresh start at a new school ripe with expectations and excitement, I'm sure many of the freshmen can relate.  One of the funny things about teaching is the roller coaster ride that every academic year proves to be.  For many of you this year brought countless hours of work and crunching to meet deadlines that stretched you to your limit or maybe even put you beyond your limits.  For those of you that chose to accept the challenge I have to say for the record; I AM SO PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!  You are truly a unique group, among the best of the best young artists Philadelphia has to offer.  That innate talent and ability will continue to grow like ivy, uncontrollable as long as you continue to push yourselves.  With Summer break upon us, take some time to refuel and relax, soak up the sun, spend time with family and friends, laugh, sleep in late, swim in a pool, pond, creek, river or the ocean, get out of the city and see some nature, get into center city and visit a museum (New Barnes...) or gallery, make some new work in your sketchbook, paint, draw, sculpt, design.  Do all those things that you love to do but seem to get pushed aside during the academic school year.  All of this is really important so that when you return in September you are refreshed and excited about taking yourself to the next level or three to be the artist you are meant to be... the best and the brightest.  Thank you for the honor of being a part of that development, it really is such a special gift.  Have a wonderful Summer break, see you next year!