Arts Festival Day 1: Visual Arts and Design Launch Event

Monday's presentations at Watchung Hills Regional High School for the school's annual Arts Festival showcased the students' efforts to conceive, design and construct a project—whether it's a lesson plan, a batch of cookies, a collage or painting, a wooden chair, dress or living room arrangement.

Much of the credit goes to Arts Department Supervisor Judith Mulder, according to Principal Thomas Di Ganci.

"Mrs. Mulder and her staff do a great job in motivating our students to unleash the creativity that's within them," he said, after reviewing the displays in the school's front lobby area. "It's just a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents."

Teachers stood ready to answer questions from visitors, and were enthusiastic about the creations on display—Julie Jaran boasted she has the "best job in the school," supervisor the student-led preschool program. She said the toddlers in the program participate in activities and projects developed by the high school students—for the festival, the students collected examples of the toddler's work to display.

"I help them (the students) learn through stages how to become a teacher," Jaran said, noting the students have to develop complete lesson plans for their young charges, keeping such pedagological concepts as multiple intelligences and learning styles in mind.

Over in the area dedicated to the Culinar Arts, a table with plates loaded with mouth-watering morsels demonstrated the students' knowledge of regional cooking styles, featuring Colonial New England Apple-Raspberry Crumble, and Chocolate-Dipped California Strawberries.

"We've studied these (regional styles) throughout the year," teacher Susan Jaslove said.

Also on display were design projects by students in Interior Design, Fashion Arts and Sewing classes. Teacher Gayle DeCicco said the students were tasked with coming up with their own designs for houses, interiors, clothing and accessory lines and in the fashion classes, bring their concepts to life.

Photography, paintings, prints and collages will be featured along the school hallways all week for those coming for some of the other events.

Tuesday night's presentation will include jazz band and ensemble performances at 7:30 p.m. 

"They really enjoy the design classes," DeCicco said.