Here are a selection of photos I’ve provided for the SchoolNova newsletter.
They were taken during last semester’s Art Showcase, which celebrated the students’ creativity and progress throughout the term. Alongside these, I’ve also included a few images of our classroom space, where all the artistic magic happens.
At SchoolNova, our art program is thoughtfully designed to nurture both creative thinking and artistic expression. From detailed pencil drawings to hands-on crafts, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and ideas. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where young artists can discover their unique visual language, build confidence in their skills, and express themselves with purpose and imagination.
Whether it's experimenting with textures, refining observational drawing, or working collaboratively on creative projects, we place a strong emphasis on both technical growth and personal expression. We're proud of the dedication and enthusiasm our students bring to each class, and we look forward to continuing to support their artistic journey.

​SchoolNova is a weekend enrichment school located in Stony Brook, New York, dedicated to fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning through a rigorous and creative academic program. Offering advanced classes in subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, and the arts, SchoolNova provides intellectually stimulating experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. With small class sizes and passionate instructors, the school helps each student reach their full potential.
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For more information, please visit www.schoolnova.org.

The three art-related activity books I published last year have brought me a great sense of fulfillment beyond just sales. As an art educator, I often found myself wishing for resources that could provide structured guidance for students. With that in mind, I created these books to offer a more organized approach to art education.
Art can sometimes feel unstructured and overwhelming, as each individual interprets and approaches it differently. However, I believe there are fundamental concepts that all children should learn. These books are designed not only to encourage creative expression but also to introduce essential topics such as color theory, creative idea development, and imaginative art. My goal was to create resources that help children engage with art in an enjoyable yet educational way, expanding their artistic thinking while having fun.
These books are currently available on Amazon, and they have been well received by parents and educators. Moving forward, I plan to develop even more advanced versions and a wider variety of art activity books. My mission is to provide structured yet inspiring art education materials that help children not only improve their artistic skills but also use art as a tool for self-expression and creative thinking. I will continue to research and refine these resources to make art education both engaging and meaningful.

The Imaginative Drawing Activity Book: 30 DaysDesigned for children ages 4 to 9, this book provides a 30-day guided drawing journey to enhance creativity and artistic confidence. Each day presents a unique prompt that encourages kids to use their imagination, experiment with different artistic techniques, and think outside the box. By following this structured yet flexible format, children can develop their drawing skills while building a habit of creative expression.

My Art Activity Book: Theory & FunTargeted for children ages 6 to 12, this book blends fundamental art concepts with engaging activities that stimulate creative exploration. It covers basic art theories, including color mixing, shapes, and composition, while incorporating fun exercises to help students apply their knowledge. By balancing theoretical learning with hands-on projects, this book makes art education enjoyable and accessible for young artists.

My First Book Making Adventure: Activity Book for Making a Picture BookThis book is designed for young children (ages 4 and up) who are eager to explore storytelling and book creation. It provides a step-by-step guide to help kids develop their own picture books, from brainstorming ideas to illustrating and assembling their final work. The interactive activities encourage creativity, narrative thinking, and fine motor skills, making it a fun and educational experience for early learners.
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​All three books offer structured yet playful learning experiences, making them valuable tools for parents and educators who want to support children's artistic growth in a fun and engaging way.

Our class has achieved remarkable success in the 2025 National Wind Energy Art Challenge! This prestigious competition invited students from kindergarten through 8th grade across the United States to showcase their creativity under the theme "Beautiful Wind Energy."
Notably, our students Albert H. and Cindy Z. were recognized for their outstanding artworks, "Landscape with Windmill and Moon" and "My Dream Windmill Landscape," respectively. Their artistic vision and expressive skills left a strong impression on the judges, earning them well-deserved recognition in this highly competitive event.
However, beyond the awards, this competition was an incredible opportunity for all students to unleash their imagination and grow through artistic expression. Every student put in tremendous effort, and their dedication and creativity were truly inspiring. I want to congratulate each and every one of them for their hard work and passion.
This achievement is not only a testament to individual talent but also reflects the depth and quality of our class’s art education. I am proud to guide these young artists and will continue to support them in expressing themselves and developing their skills through art.
Congratulations to all our students, whether they received an award or not! Your creativity and enthusiasm make a difference, and I look forward to seeing more amazing works from you in the future.

Through this year’s National Wind Energy Art Challenge, our students had a wonderful opportunity to capture the beauty of the sky and the elegant forms of wind turbines through their artwork. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the event organizers for providing such a meaningful platform for young artists to express their creativity while engaging with an important environmental theme.
This marks the second year that my students and I have participated in this competition, and each time, the experience has been both inspiring and enriching. A special appreciation goes to Asia Ward, the  Social Practice Installation Artist and Science Communicator of this event, whose dedication and enthusiasm have consistently fostered a welcoming and supportive environment. Her passion for art education and her commitment to nurturing young talents serve as a beacon of hope for the future of creative learning. I deeply admire her efforts and the positive impact she has on students and educators alike.
Beyond being an art competition, this event has also provided a valuable educational experience, allowing students to explore the significance and mechanics of renewable energy. Through their artistic creations, they have gained a deeper understanding of wind power and its role in shaping a sustainable future. More than just a means of self-expression, art serves as a powerful tool to connect with society, reflect on global challenges, and envision a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.
This competition has once again demonstrated that art is not only about aesthetics—it is about storytelling, education, and inspiring change. As we continue this journey, I am excited to see how my students will use their creativity to contribute to meaningful conversations about our world and its future. I look forward to participating in this event for years to come, fostering artistic growth and environmental awareness hand in hand.

Asia Ward
Social Practice Installation Artist and Science Communicator 
​Artist website https://asiaward.com/

​Low Tide Series: When the Ocean Draws Near

​I have chosen "Low Tide Series" as the theme for my submission to this exhibition.
I have always been drawn to the sea. Watching the waves ripple and listening to their rhythmic lapping against the shore fills a quiet corner of my heart with a sense of peace. The ocean, with its vastness and unfathomable depths, speaks of the grandeur and power of nature in a way that words cannot fully capture. It stands as an eternal force—mysterious, infinite, and sometimes even intimidating.
Yet, just as divinity allows humanity to draw near through prayer, so too does the ocean extend an invitation to us through low tide. During this fleeting moment, the sea retreats, offering its embrace to those who wish to step into its world. The shoreline stretches further than before, revealing hidden paths and secret landscapes that remain unseen when the water is high. It is in these moments that the ocean no longer feels distant or formidable. Instead, it becomes intimate—a place of gathering, quiet conversations, laughter, and wonder.

Low tide transforms the seascape into a communal space, much like a living room where people share stories and joy. Children run barefoot over the damp sand, their laughter mingling with the whisper of the breeze. Families and friends stroll along the newly revealed paths, collecting seashells and marveling at the intricate life left behind in tide pools. There is an undeniable sense of connection, not just between people, but between humanity and nature itself.
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In these precious hours, the ocean is no longer an overpowering force but a gentle companion, drawing us close and reminding us of its hidden tenderness. Through my Low Tide Series, I hope to capture these moments of quiet magic—the time when the sea, just for a while, allows us to step into its embrace and listen to its whispered stories.

The Evolution of Art and Design in the Age of AI: A Reflection on Creativity and SurvivalFor decades, graphic designers held a prestigious position in the creative industry. Proficiency in image-editing software like Photoshop and Illustrator was considered a specialized skill, and mastering these tools required patience, dedication, and technical acumen. Graphic designers were not only seen as artists but also as technologically adept professionals who balanced creative intuition with an understanding of digital tools. Their work was regarded as highly valuable, and salaries were structured based on experience, expertise, and the complexity of the tasks they handled.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Artificial intelligence has introduced a level of automation that has fundamentally altered the field of graphic design, making many tasks that once required technical expertise accessible to anyone with an internet connection. AI-powered design tools can now generate professional-grade visuals in seconds, reducing the need for deep technical knowledge. The question now arises: how can graphic designers—and artists in general—adapt and thrive in this new era?

In the past, learning to use design software was a challenging endeavor. Photoshop, Illustrator, and other professional tools required months, even years, to master. Those who possessed these skills were highly sought after in the industry. The process of creating digital artwork was not just about having an artistic eye; it also required an understanding of digital workflows, file formats, typography, color theory, and sometimes even basic programming.

I, too, learned these tools many years ago, and to my amazement, the knowledge I acquired then is still applicable today. Despite incremental improvements and additional features, the core functionalities of these tools have remained largely the same. Like riding a bicycle after years of not cycling, revisiting Photoshop or Illustrator only requires a brief reacquaintance before everything comes back naturally.

But the technological landscape no longer moves at the pace it once did. We are in an era where, overnight, AI can introduce groundbreaking innovations that reshape industries in ways we cannot predict. The very concept of mastering a tool has become transient; what we learn today may become obsolete tomorrow. The implications for young designers and students pursuing careers in digital art and design are profound.

Should We Still Encourage Students to Pursue Graphic Design?

​I deeply desire a bright future for my students. I want to equip them with skills that will allow them to not only survive but thrive in a world that is evolving at an unprecedented pace. However, I sometimes find myself hesitating when students express interest in pursuing graphic design as a career.

Fine art, in its purest form, still holds undeniable value. The ability to create original, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant works remains a uniquely human endeavor. But in the realm of graphic design—where AI can now produce logos, layouts, and visual assets in seconds—what must designers do to stay relevant?

I believe the key lies in transcending technical skills and embracing creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. Rather than solely focusing on software proficiency, students must cultivate a mindset that allows them to think critically, conceptualize original ideas, and navigate the ever-changing technological landscape. The future belongs not to those who simply know how to use a tool, but to those who understand how to wield technology creatively and strategically.

As I reflect on these rapid changes, I realize that my art classes must also evolve. Teaching software alone is no longer sufficient; instead, I must foster an environment where students develop curiosity, creativity, and the ability to adapt. My goal is to encourage them to think beyond the tools at their disposal and focus on the essence of artistic expression.

In this new educational paradigm, I see value in introducing elements of competition, exploration, and play into the learning experience. Encouraging students to participate in design challenges and exhibitions, much like a celebration rather than a rigid test of skill, can ignite their creative potential. Just as children learn best through play, I believe artists and designers must approach their craft with a sense of curiosity and excitement.

Moreover, I want to instill in my students the understanding that learning is no longer a finite process. Unlike in previous generations, where mastering a skill could secure a lifetime career, today’s professionals must commit to continuous learning and reinvention. They must embrace emerging technologies, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and remain open to change.

As we move forward, one truth becomes increasingly clear: creativity is the most valuable skill that will stand the test of time. While technology may evolve, the human ability to imagine, innovate, and push boundaries remains unparalleled. AI may generate images, but it does not dream. AI may design layouts, but it does not question why certain aesthetics resonate with people on a deeper level. AI may process vast amounts of data, but it does not feel joy, pain, or inspiration.

This realization extends beyond the realm of art. In every field—science, business, engineering, medicine—the ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges is becoming the most critical determinant of success. The rigidity of traditional industries is being dismantled, and the fluidity of artistic thought is now more valuable than ever.

Thus, rather than viewing AI as a threat, I choose to see it as an opportunity. It is an invitation to rethink, reimagine, and reinvent. It is a challenge to push beyond comfort zones, to merge art with technology in ways never before possible, and to harness the power of creativity in ways that machines cannot replicate.

As an artist and educator, I have decided to dedicate this year to exploring the intersection of art, AI, and innovation. I want to investigate how creative minds can thrive in an era of automation, how artistic expression can influence other fields, and how we can cultivate a mindset that embraces change rather than fears it.

I believe that art must evolve alongside technology, not resist it. Just as artists of the past adapted to new media—from oil paint to photography, from film to digital art—we must now embrace AI and use it as a tool for expanding our creative possibilities. The role of the artist is not to reject progress, but to infuse it with imagination and meaning.

The future of art and design is uncertain, but one thing is clear: those who embrace creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning will always find a way forward. In this new era, the most important lesson we can teach the next generation is not how to use a specific tool, but how to think, create, and evolve.
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AI may change the way we work, but it will never replace the human spirit of innovation. And that, above all, is why I remain optimistic about the future of art, design, and creativity.