Greenway Arts Creates Fairfax Class

The end of the 2014 school year will mark the conclusion of the first year of Fairfax High School’s new arts education class created by the Greenway Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization that says its “mission is to unite communities through art, education and enterprise.”

Greenway Arts is available as a seventh period and focuses on teaching students arts such as filmmaking, dance, creative writing, and music. The purpose of this program is to expose students to arts that may interest them for the future.

This class is unlike others because instead of being assigned to one art, students can choose what they want to learn whenever they want. For example, students can learn production and design (a class where they learn how to make sets for plays and movies) one day and sign up for dance the next.

Classes also have film equipment for film class and tools for production and design so students can have a hands-on learning experience.

“The classes are very fun along with all the teachers and the work that come with being a part of this program. I have been in this program since last year and I have learned how to use a camera, build sets, write and make short films, and more. I would highly recommend this to other people who have any interest in the arts,” said Brandon Martinez, a ninth grader, to JSR.

Apart from the flexible learning schedule, the class environment is also very friendly and fun. Students have a lot of one-on-one time with the teachers.

Greenway’s Director of Arts Education, Heaven NezCree, said in an interview with JSR, “My favorite part about being a part of this program is seeing students connecting with something, finding themselves, and losing themselves in something because of Greenway.”

Greenway also has an intern, Jasmine Kalra, who told JSR that she likes Greenway.

“I like working here because it gives me the opportunity to be involved in the arts and also gain the real life experience doing it,” Kalra stated. “Besides looking good on my resume, the best part of Greenway is having a family of friends, teachers, and students who all work together to do the best they can at whatever they do.”