Your Town: Former FPC students share success of careers in art fields

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Three former Flagler Palm Coast High School students presented their knowledge at ArtWorks, a program for high school students about building successful careers in the arts, on Tuesday, March 27, at the Flagler Auditorium. FPC graduates Austin Blasingame, Czar Derequito and Drew White spoke and were inaugurated into the FPC Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the event.

ArtWorks is sponsored by the Flagler County Art League, with a grant from the city of Palm Coast. Also featured was keynote speaker Eric Rosenfield, the program director of Digital Arts and Design and Graphic Design at Full Sail University.

Q&A with speakers:

Drew White, 2003 FPC graduate, owner of Lytr Co (lytr.com)

What did you learn at FPC that helped you be successful in an artistic career field?

“I learned to take initiative in learning the skills I wanted to learn. My friends and I made an effort in every class to convince the teacher to let us make movies for projects instead of PowerPoint presentations or long reports. Sometimes the teachers said no, but sometimes they said yes. So, not only did I learn the power of just asking, but while creating those ridiculous movies, I learned to teach myself many of the early concepts and skills I currently use every day in my work.”

What would you say to encourage the next generation of artists hoping to be successful after school?

“Don’t worry about being different; worry about being good.”

Other thoughts?

“I think ArtWorks is amazing for recognizing artists from FPC, and I hope it inspires other students to pursue a career path, not only in art, but in anything that they may have a passion for.”

Austin Blasingame, 1997 FPC graduate, freelance creative director with focus on animation and film

What did you learn at FPC that helped you be successful in an artistic career field?

“I learned to work in a photography dark room in Mr. Beckett's class, which was a wonderful introduction to a hands-on application, inspiring me to go on into print making, drawing and oil painting. I will always remember teacher Sheila Crawford saying something like, ‘In order to understand art of the future, one must study the art of the past.’”

What would you say to encourage the next generation of artists hoping to be successful after school?

“Don't let others determine your self-worth. Remember why you love art and when you lose the passion step out into nature and sit quietly. Get refueled by your peers and don't isolate yourself. Collaboration makes for wonderful expressions of art. Leave your ego at the door.”

Czar Derequito, 2005 FPC graduate, art director for Fossil Group in Latin America and the Caribbean

What did you learn at FPC that helped you be successful in an artistic career field?

“I learned how I was wired — what part I brought to the class, my fellow classmates. Seeing more and more of my creative side and less of other things clarified what areas I need to focus on.”

What would you say to encourage the next generation of artists hoping to be successful after school?

“First, know what success even looks like. Is it a lot of money? Is it a good family? Is it doing what you're passionate about? Is it a good character? I believe a big part of it is discovering who you are wired to be and the purpose you have for this world. Doesn't matter how successful you are if you aren't doing the right thing with the right character. Develop your character, explore and study. Discover what's for you. Having the right people around you is also key to discovering that. Learn, learn learn. Then work, work, work. Then realign yourself as you go.”

Other thoughts?

“The teachers were a key part to my growth. From the Carol Walker's to the Diane Tomko's to the Howard Sanson's, I was able to develop a self-esteem and a self-awareness cultivated by their help. It aligned me to know more and more of what I was able to offer and double-down on it.”

Sheriff Staly “arrests” community leaders

During the second-annual Jail ‘n’ Bail, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly “arrested” several community leaders on Saturday, March 23 — all for a good cause.

Flagler County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jorge Gutierrez was charged for showing too much enthusiasm and passion on Monday mornings. Jimmy Millhollin, owner of RE/MAX Flagstaff, was charged with celebrating Chamber Chair Emeritus too much. Wadsworth Elementary Principal John Fanelli was charged with chasing down students in the hallway to see if they have good grades. Local author Becky Pourchot was charged with spreading glitter without a permit and assaulting people with hugs. Flagler County Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston was charged with being overly competitive and bringing gifts to neighbors without a permit.

The arrestee had the opportunity to secure their “bail” in the form of pledges to benefit the ACS’s Relay for Life event to be held on April 20 at Palm Coast’s Central Park at Town Center.

Charlotte Bradley, a third-grade teacher at Rymfire Elementary School, has been awarded a $500 EdCamp Impact Grant. Photo courtesy of Melanie Tahan

Rymfire teacher receives grant

Charlotte Bradley, a third-grade teacher at Rymfire Elementary School, has been awarded a $500 EdCamp Impact Grant to help provide more opportunities for her students to experience coding and computer programming. The grants are awarded with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided to the national Edcamp Foundation.

New Jersey Social Club swears in new officers

Al Mule earns an award for his many years of service from New Jersey Social Club President Carol Sloat. Photo courtesy of Penni Knapp

The New Jersey Social Club swore in new officers at the January meeting. Al Mule earned an award from President Carol Sloat for his many years of service. Linda Kuepper swore in the new officers, who are as follows: President Carol Sloat, Vice President Mary Ann Mesics, Secretary Carol Gan, Treasurer Pat Thomasey and Trustees George Gan, Bill Wilkening and Wilma Reinholz.