“Being a part of this program helps me explore my creative side. We learn about a lot of different things, which helps challenge us. Being a part of the first cohort of the program at Salesian allows me to expand my level of talent in the Arts. In addition, I have learned how to better express myself and collaborate with my peers. The passion I share for Art only expands as I navigate this program.”
Xymonni W. '28 , VMA Pathway Student
Beginning in Spring 2023, Salesian College Preparatory began exploring the possibility of offering a four-year program offering a focused area of study in the school's Visual and Performing Arts Department. Recognizing that annual applicants to the school include many young practicing and interested art makers, Salesian sought to develop a multidimensional and multimedia program that would offer these engaged students an interdisciplinary approach bridging the visual and digital arts, community resources, sustainability, and journalism. Inspired by the scope and sequence suggested by the Education Development Center, Inc., the Salesian Visual and Media Arts Pathway will prepare high school students for post-secondary education as well as careers in the arts, entertainment, and media industries.
The Visual and Media Arts (VMA) Pathway is a four-year academic program that meets the educational needs of students by offering supportive and caring instruction in the practice, tradition, and criticism of visual and digital media arts and design. The first cohort of this program has spent this school year learning about the art elements, participated in hands-on projects and digital projects, and explored the product identity within logos. Most recently, students welcomed two guests to learn about various careers, specifically about logo design. Rod Lemaire, Art Director, Graphic Designer and Design professor at California College of the Arts and and Richard Cooluris, Art Director and Game Designer came to speak with the VMA cohort. These professionals walked students through the process of working with a client, the design iteration process and the steps of designing a branding package.
What's next for VMA students? In the future, students will move on to explore audio production, video production, animation, and more!