VisitingArtist
SOFIASANCHEZ (A’08)
Every year, Academy invites a Visiting Artist—an
alumnus—to speak to students and faculty about a
career in theArtsandhowheorshehasaccomplished
this dream so far. The 11th annual Visiting Artist was
Sofia Sanchez (A’08). Sanchez held an informational
session to talk about her career at Contemporary Art
Space and Studio (CASS) on February 19. She has
been pursuing her talents for the past seven years in
painting, productionandgraphicdesign.
Sanchez has a bachelor’s degree in studio art, film
studies and museum studies from Smith College.
She is currently finishing her master’s degree in
communications and media arts at Wayne State
University. She is very involvedwithherwork and the
manydifferentaspectsofhercareer.Sanchez isthehost
of “MetroArts-Detroit,”aPBSentertainmentshow, and
she is the designer of a handbag line called Popinjay.
She has also worked in various production roles,
includinganational commercial forQuickenLoans Inc.
andamusicvideo forhip-hopartistKlarifeye.
Sanchez’s address to the audience included very
insightful and honest advice about her journey to get
where she is today. If there was one thing she could
share with every Academy student who was not at
her presentation, it would be, “follow your own voice,
because ultimately, you’re the only person you are
accountable for.” One of Sanchez’s favorite Academy
memories was a sleepover at her house, when her
entireAPStudioclassstayedupallnightdoing figuring
drawing and spending time outside of school creating
closer friendships.
Sanchez spent most of her time in the art room,
where she and her friends inspired each other with
their artwork. However, she did not consider herself
an artist. Her story was refreshing to Jessica Jurado
(A’15), anAPStudioArt student at Academy, because
it allowedher to see that art is subjective, and there is
no “wrong”way todo it. It isapersonal interpretation,
and it hasno limitations.
Although reaching your dreams is not easy, Sanchez
is a perfect example of how you can achieve anything
if youset yourmind to it. Sanchezhasauniquecareer
that aligns with her passions. Her message is a very
importantone: knowwhat youvalue, dowhat you love
and the restwill fall intoplace.
Sr. LisaPerkowski, IHM,withSofiaSanchez (A’08).
MSTheatrePresents
GUYSANDDOLLS
InMarch,7th-and8th-gradedramaclasses treated
their audience to a fun-filled rendition of Tony
Award winning “Guys and Dolls.” Teacher Kelly
Hoffmanused theyear to introduceherstudents to
classicAmericanmusical theatre, both to sharpen
their singingandactingskillsand to instill in them
asenseof appreciation for the repertoire.
The class spent the first semester learning about
monologues, scene work and song. Prior to
Christmas break, they auditioned for roles in the
musical. Following the break, it was full steam
ahead, with the students rehearsing during class,
after school and even on Sundays. The students’
hard work showed in both their daytime and
evening performances. The evening show was a
highlight for theactorsas theyhad theopportunity
togrow from their firstperformance. “They felt the
magicof thestageat nighttime,”Hoffmansaid.
The class presented students the opportunity to
experience theatre as a professional actor would;
with this foundation, students will be better
equipped to act or participate behind the scenes
in high school drama performances. “Their work
ethic was incredible,” Hoffman said. “They came
prepared every day. They were willing to do
whatever it took to make the show the best that
it couldbe.”
Toviewmorepictures, visit
facebook.com/AHNTampa.
W
23
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SUMMER 2015
Feature
STORY
articleby
JourdanCollins (A’15)
ARTS
