This month we celebrate 

Arts in Our Schools!

March 2023

Former CPS Teacher and Artist connects with the Fine Arts Department

Earlier this year, June Brown, a former CPS teacher and Julie Murphy, made a connection with someone who would donate a floor loom to the CHS Fine Arts Department. After its delivery Ms. Brown and other volunteers spent numerous hours getting the loom to work after 40 years of storage. She then met with students in the crafts classes and demonstrated how to prepare the material for weaving. 

Ms. Brown modeled how to use the loom and then assisted students in the process. Afterwards, the students viewed projections of Ms. Brown’s three dimensional weaving, which was showcased at the Newark Museum. During the presentation students learned about the meaning of her artwork, which prompted many inquiries. They also discussed an upcoming project where they will be using recycled materials. This will be a collaborative weaving for any CHS students who want to be involved. 

Ms. Barkin (CHS Crafts Teacher), says that her goal is to have the work displayed in the school when it is completed.  

CHS Fine Arts student wins contest

Congratulations to Audrey McMahon, winner of the 2022 Spotlight on Cranford Teen Artists contest!

*Sponsored by Sharon Stone, Real Estate Agent

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 

Congratulations to Lincoln School on winning first place in the 2022 Cranford Scarecrow Stroll contest-Schools & Organizations Category.

Lincoln School Art Teacher- Maria Polyviou

Crafts Masterclass with Marianne Jennings

Marianne Jennings, a metalsmith and CHS alumna continues to stay connected and support her alma mater. Jennings learned of a competition from Potter USA and shared her story of how Cranford High School helped guide her decision to pursue a passion of working with metal. She told her story and, in the process, won the fine arts department a twenty-ton hydraulic press, used for stamping or embossing metal.  

Jennings recently worked with the Advanced Crafts students and showed them how to use the machine. She also showed examples of how she’s used the hydraulic press to create her own pieces. She gave each student a copper disk and they chose an impression to stamp. The students will enamel their impressions and use it in a piece of jewelry during the course. 

CHS Fine Arts student wins contest

Congratulations to CHS Fine Art student Audrey Esteves, whose painting of @delice_macarons won the Spotlight on Cranford Teen Artists contest! (Spring 2022)