News

Performance Piece Features Academy Dancers

Dancers from The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day Program joined renowned choreographer Jennifer Weber in a film project produced by The Bushnell. Written as a “love letter to the Bushnell,” the piece titled While You Were Gone celebrates a welcome back to live performance after 19 months of theaters being shuttered due to the pandemic. The piece premiered on the Bushnell’s YouTube page on September 20, 2021.

Theater Grad Wins Emmy

sarahpilla Academy alum Sarah Pilla has received an Emmy in the category of “Outstanding Environment News Story.” The story titled “Oceana Trash” reports on the dangers of plastic and its effects on the ocean’s eco system.

Expression Through Murals

Academy alum Corey Pane has been drawing from a young age. He finds it as a great way to express himself. For the past six years this passion has taken him to painting murals.

Artists Discuss Equity

Racial Equity Story Artists Discuss Equity 'During the week of January 11th, young artists took part in activities and discussions on the topic of racial equity. Throughout the week, artists instructors have taken time out of lessons to bring in guest speakers, hold open discussions, and take part in activities. "Students are going to be able to use their visual artistic voice to create works that have meaning and have a message," says Visual Arts Chair Natasha Miles. "We want our students to be able to present evidence of what they learned."

The week is all part of a larger districtwide effort from The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). Topics range from Black Lives Matter, Voter Suppression, and other types of systemic racism.

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Alumni/Recording Artist Gives Masterclass

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Dr. Jimmy Greene, Co-coordinator of the Jazz Studies Program at Western CT State University, former Academy Artist-Instructor, and Academy Alum, hosted a Zoom Masterclass for our instrumentalists. The masterclass featured a performance of the Academy Jazz Ensemble, a critique by Jimmy, and a recording of his Jazz Ensemble at WCSU.

Your Art Can Make a Living

Konstantine Freelance artist Konstantin Kahl has his hands in everything visual arts. Growing up in New York City, he always knew that he wanted to do art for a living. As a teen, he attended LaGuardia’s arts high school before moving on to Hampshire College in Massachusetts. It was there where the young artist got involved in various art styles/genres which have led him to making costumes, special effect designs, sculpture, and graphic art. On December 2, he shared his personal journey with Theater Design students at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day Program.

Arts School Network Awards Artist Instructor

Academy artist instructor Gail Fresia is the 2020 recipient of the International Art Schools Network’s Teacher of the Year Award! Gail joined GHAA Half-day in 2004 as an Artist-Instructor for the Theater Design and Production Department as well as the costume designer for all Academy productions. Throughout her illustrious professional career, she collaborated Maurice Scendak for a Pilobolus performance.