Student Testimonials

Here are some testimonials from our amazing art students that we have had over the years.
We are so proud of them, what they have accomplished and how they continue to grow forward through their art.

    

"Ever since early in high school I knew I wanted to go to school for art, and without the help from Patti and Eileen I would not be where I am today. The relationship and guidance given by the two of them have really shaped me to be the person I am. From freshman studio art class to senior AP art I have seen myself grow and develop my art skills and abilities that was the ground work for the art work I produce today. The information and guidance they were able to give me in high school outweighs anything I could have learned from reading a textbook. They cared about me and my work and would fully invest their time and efforts into my project and art I would do in there classes. Eileen's Graphic design class was by far the most important class I took in high school It was the class that helped me realize what I wanted to do in life. I now study Illustration and Graphic design at Pratt institute and came to college with a extremely wide range of photoshop skills and that only helped me, I now use Photoshop every day. The art program in high school was an experience I am extremely grateful for, between hanging out with Patti and Eileen during free periods or being in one of their classes every minute spent with them I have learned something that I use today and I am extremely grateful that I got to learn and grow with the guidance of Patti and Eileen and would not be at art school and be doing what I love everyday!"
- Cole Poska
https://www.instagram.com/cole_poska/

 

      

"For as long as I can remember I've had a growing passion for art in the form of various mediums. My love for art developed when I was in my first year of elementary school. There I was taught the very basics and fundamentals by my teacher Ms.Kern which stuck with me forever. Ever since that year I thrived to learn more and more about anything to do with the subject.

While in high school I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Mclntyre who pushed me to do the best I could, and even better than I thought I was capable of doing. Being artistically inclined, people always tell you what a great artist you are and how beautiful your work always is. That did nothing but hold me back. No one would critique my work, and that put me at a halt for quite some time. It wasn't until Ms.McIntyre that I was able to better myself as an artist. She always complimented me for the work I've done, but without hesitation, she would tell me what I needed to do to improve on my technique. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be where I am today.  Having feed back from someone is the best thing I ever could of asked for. 

Currently my main focus has been behind that of a camera. Photography has always been my strongest point in the art field and with the help of my teachers I've developed a better eye. Although photography has been my main choice I still try to improve myself in other fields as well. Working in a tattoo shop I watch artists create beautiful masterpieces daily and I use that as a motivation for self improvement.

Without the help and dedication of Ms. Kern and Ms. McIntyre in my early years, I wouldn't be following my dream of making something of myself in the art world."
-Dennis Gensinger

 

        

In high school I was lucky enough to have both Mrs. Kern & Mrs. McIntyre for several different art classes. I've learned so much from these two amazing ladies, they both have so much to offer their students. Mrs. Kern taught most of my fine art classes (Studio Art, Drawing & Painting, Ceramics.) These were the classes that kickstarted my early interest in art. Mrs. Kern not only gave great artistic guidance to her students, but she also offered the perfect amount of freedom to create. Later on, I was introduced to Ms. McIntyre in Computer Graphics. I didn't know what to expect from this course, I never really had an interest in computer art... but in one semester, I went from never using Photoshop a day in my life, to making a portfolio piece out of every project given. Class with Ms. McIntyre made me realize that Graphic Design is what I was meant to pursue. Ms. McIntyre not only introduced me to the world of graphic design but she also gave me insight on pursuing graphic design in the real world. While Ms. McIntyre introduced me to my passion of Graphic Design, Mrs. Kern taught me that knowledge of fine arts is still just as important in the art field. Not only did I develop a diverse skill set under the supervision of Mrs. Kern & Ms. McIntyre, but I also continue to build my portfolio off of the foundation that they helped me build. Now, I am in my third year of college working towards a B.A. in Graphic Design. The support and guidance of these two amazing teachers has given me the strength to pursue a degree and eventually a career in the art field.
-Jessica Signorello

 

"Art has been my core interest and motivation from an early age. I was taught by two incredible women that art was more than just a pastime, but a shared perspective in which to view the world with others. Because of this, I was always encouraged by my teachers Ms. McIntyre & Ms. Kern to take part in artistic endeavors through all different visual mediums such as drawing, painting, videography and photography. In High School, I maxed out my daily schedule with photo and art classes and enrolled in the BOCES program for graphic design and visual communication. As I continued to experiment more specifically with photography, I started to set short term goals, testing new techniques and refining my skills to push my personal envelope. I realized soon I would need to start applying my skills to a career. Luckily, not only did Ms. McIntyre teach me the skills I would need to work in my desired field, she also gave me work opportunities. I came in contact with her shortly after graduating & was introduced to local independent jewelers who needed alluring displays of their work to show in their store fronts. As well did she. This experience helped me build my portfolio and learn first hand what this industry was like. For the first time, I felt the rush I had been looking for since I first started with photography. This is the kind of work I have always wanted to be involved in and the type of position I would like to have in the future. During the past several years, I have gotten so caught up doing what I love and have accomplished far more projects than I could have imagined. I completely thank these two inspiring, supportive, and brilliant women for being the foundation of what I have built for myself!"
-Ray Swift

  

Ever since I was four years old I knew I wanted to be a creator. I wanted to express my emotions from my hands through eyes. With my own thoughts, and the help of two amazing women, I was encouraged to become the artist I always wanted to be.

Ms. McIntyre was my elementary school teacher and ironically enough, Ms. Kern was student teaching in the same classroom. To have such creative minds as educators gave me all the fundamentals for my future years.  As I began my high school years, Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Kern we’re to be my teachers once again! Because of the extraordinary staff, I decided to take as many art classes I could in those four years, classes like AP Drawing and Painting taught by Ms. Kern, as well as AP Computer Graphics, with Ms. McIntyre.  I went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts degree with a Specialization in Graphic Design from New York Institute of Technology. I am currently operating my own graphic design company, Seek-A-Design and very optimistic about what the future holds!

Nonetheless, these woman have pushed me completely out of my box and to this day, I can still remember certain projects that were the foreground of my skills, almost 20 years later. From learning how to shade with charcoal, to the analysis of each tool on Photoshop. I am beyond thrilled to be able to have Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Kern watch me grow! If it were not for them, they helped me know what I am capable of and the unbelievable talent that was shared, I just wanted to say “Thank You!”
- Lyandra Sica

"Without the help of Ms. Kern & Ms. McIntyre I simply wouldn't be who I am today. I have grown to love not only what I have learned from these amazing teachers but I have learned to love their advice and criticism.

In order to gain success one must do two things, the first thing is to believe in oneself and the second is to find a group of people who will support you and help you define your artistic character. Their on-going devotion, support and love has transformed not only my experience in high school but many students experiences."
-Kelsey Larkin

 

"In high school, having a variety of art classes with Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Kern really helped me to prepare a portfolio for college.  Working on projects in class, sticking to deadlines, and getting advice from these teachers improved my work ethic and made my portfolio better overall. Learning about different art periods and artists encouraged me to try out new mediums and styles. Knowing digital art programs, painting, drawing, and sculpture all widened my skill set.  Meeting and being surrounded by others with the same passion for art as myself was especially inspiring."
-Erin Shores

"Having influential teachers like Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Kern in my life is the backbone of why I’m the artist I am today. Taking art classes with them helped me learn who I am as a person and how much creativity I have, allowing me to express myself through my artwork, even if it causes some controversy. In a moment where this did occur, Ms. McIntyre and Ms. Kern were very supportive of my work. I am grateful to know two such wonderful ladies, who are not only teachers, but amazing artists as well.

My art experience in high school was nothing but amazing, and it helped me get into SUNY Purchase’s School of Art & Design, which is not an easy thing to do. I feel that throughout my years of art classes, I have grown more and more, and am thankful for the experiences I’ve had."
-Ceara Nolan

"The art history and techniques I learned with Ms. Kern and Ms. McIntyre has and will continue to benefit my college career. I find myself looking back and recalling the valuable lessons I learned and knowledge and skills I obtained through their teachings."
-Zerfana Kahn

  

I was a person who had no idea what the heck i was going to do in high school, until the certain art classes were tossed along my way featuring one of my favorite teachers, Ms. McIntyre.  If it wasn’t for art, photography, and friends in the art department who knows where I would have ended up. Ms. McIntyre challenged me to keep on pushing forward with all my projects, even though i personally didn’t think my work was up to par with everyone at the time. The experience I had taking her class definitely made me realize that this is what I wanted to do, not as a hobby, but as my life style. Thank you very much Ms. McIntyre for helping me find my way, and possibly myself.
- Mitchell Luna

    

I always had trouble with shading, and adding contour to my pieces as well as developing my own artistic aesthetic. One of the first things Ms. Kern taught my Drawing & Painting class was how to add depth and dimension to our drawings. Upon learning to add depth to my work and seeing it improve day by day, I thought that maybe I could pursue it in college. I immediately gained confidence from Ms. Kern by seeing positive grades from her, as well as supportive feedback. Ms. Kern also taught me to not look at other work done by artists and make a copy, but rather be confident with expressing my own visions that I have in my imagination. This was one of the most important and impactful things she taught me!!

After a summer of practicing my fashion designing, I approached Ms. Kern in the fall for a letter of recommendation to one of my top college choices, Pratt Institute. She enthusiastically said that she will write me one. I was accepted with a scholarship, and I know that a significant part of it is thanks to the basics I learned (technique, practice, trial and error) as well as feedback, support and critique I received from Ms. Kern. Thank you for being so lively and the best type of quirky!!!

As for Ms. McIntyre !! I unfortunately never had a chance to take one of her classes, but have always heard amazing opinions on her computer graphics (a highly popular elective!!) and other art courses. Her jewelry line is exceptional, and the fact that Lady Gaga wears one of her necklaces goes to show that talent and passion goes a long way!
-Emilia Kaplan