Art Students Explore Street Art with Visiting Alumnus

From May 11 to May 21, artist, mural curator and facilitator, and AISV alumnus Nick Platzer visited our Art Foundations, Art Explorations, and IB Art students. Throughout his visit, Nick led hands-on workshops focused on graffiti writing, stenciling, and collaborative art. He encouraged students to experiment with alternative methods and use different tools to leave their mark, emphasizing the open, experimental nature of public art.

The workshops integrated directly with each class's current curriculum. In Art Foundations, students built on their recent street art unit to discuss audience, messaging, and street art safety protocols in Vienna while working on a collaborative canvas near the High School office. Art Foundations students along with Art Explorations students practiced graffiti lettering and created collaborative mixed media artworks on canvas. Meanwhile, our IB Art students took a field trip to view a local mural in progress, where Nick discussed site-specific work, aesthetic techniques, and the practical considerations of placing art in public spaces. Back in the classroom, Nick also provided individual tutorials to help these advanced students refine their independent project plans and incorporate professional feedback.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to learn from an industry professional who once walked the same halls. Seeing an alumnus successfully navigate the art world offered our students a tangible connection between classroom concepts and creative careers. 

Learn more about the Arts at AISV.