ArtZine: Art in 2020

As their fall term assignment, Graphic Design senior teaching assistants Sophie Pirondini and Megan Swanson were tasked with creating a digitally inspired art magazine featuring the work of Suffield students enrolled in art courses. The completed publication referred to as ArtZine showcases individual works divided by term and discipline.

The fall publication highlights photography, winter term will present studio arts, and spring will conclude with ceramics and sculpture. Visual Arts Department Co-Chair and Graphic Design teacher Jenny Graham notes, “In addition to our Art and Literary Magazine, this is a great way to share what our students are working on and inspire discussions about how art is playing out in their lives. Both Sophie and Megan did a phenomenal job organizing this, selecting its content, and putting it all together. As their teacher and artist, I am very proud of their talents and achievements.” 

The fall edition of Suffield Academy’s ArtZine features the photography of senior artists Juana Bourgeois, Grace Caso, Mason Kumiega, Julia Laquerre, Amy Wang, and Rori Zwirko; junior artists Trey Bischoping, Libbie Foster, Nate Schoen, Hailey Suller, and Henry White; sophomore artists Owen Arnold, Sophie Galaburda, Austin Moore, and Mia Rubenstein; and freshman artist Hanseo Lim. Its introduction written by Sophie and Megan reads, “In a year full of stress, anxiety, and unpredictability, the world is craving connection. At Suffield Academy, we believe that art is more important now than ever. It provides a splash of color in the darkness and builds bridges to connect us.” 

Designed and formatted entirely by Sophie and Megan, the fall edition of ArtZine is a collection of work derived directly from the creative minds and photographic lenses of artists whose inspiration tells a story of themselves as much as it does the Suffield Academy community. Their images act as a mirrored reflection during a time of uncertainty and pause while their accompanying artist statements add the unspoken words to a particularly memorable fall term.

Sophie commented, “Art is an amazing outlet for any emotion, and it is extremely important for artists to express themselves during a time like this. Art is a place where you can lay out all your emotions in a creative way to help exercise mental health and positivity.” Megan added, “Our students work so hard in their classes and this is a great platform to share their art with the community. Artistic expression is always important and particularly significant this year. Everyone is experiencing the life-changing events of 2020 in different ways and art is a beautiful outlet for our artists to share their stories with others.”

Click here to view the fall edition of ArtZine.