Huntington Art Teachers Set to Get Creative

Huntington UFSD’s art department is ready to get creative as teachers across the district welcome students into classrooms in all eight buildings.

The K-8 faculty includes Nick Matarazzo (Flower Hill and Washington), Jackie Plesent, (Jefferson and Southdown), Todd Hiscox (Jack Abrams STEM and Woodhull), Karen Morea (Jack Abrams STEM and Finley) and Jessica Simms (Finley).

Huntington High School fine arts teachers include Jen Fazin, Kristen Fiorenti, Ayallah Jeddah, Kasmira Mohanty, Pam Piffard, Jenna Merget, Kristin Singer, Heather Swan and Kim Valerio.

“We have an incredible art staff here in Huntington,” said Brian Stellato, the department director. “Our district students have a tremendous opportunity to journey through the world of fine arts throughout their Huntington years, K-12.”

Art supplies have poured in over the summer and all rooms are fully stocked allowing students to go about their creative pursuits.

“In the primary buildings, students build a foundation of experiences and knowledge in art, including an introduction to principal concepts and influential artists,” Mr. Stellato said. “In our intermediate buildings, students build on this foundation, working with varied materials and learning techniques, principals, and concepts connected to a wide variety of influential artists, time periods, and styles.”

At J. Taylor Finley Middle School, seventh graders continue their growth in art, followed by opportunities for many students to participate in more advanced work in Studio Art in eighth grade.

“At Huntington High School, we have one of the most expansive fine arts programs in the region,” Mr. Stellato said. “Many students begin their high school art journey by taking Creative Crafts, Media Arts or Studio in Art.”

Huntington High School also offers art electives such as multiple levels of Creative Video, Ceramics and Sculpture, Fashion Design, Drawing & Painting, Photography, Computer Graphics, and Video Broadcasting.

“Students at Huntington High School have opportunities to take AP level art courses and portfolio-based courses later in their arts studies,” Mr. Stellato said. “In addition, the fine arts department will be introducing Visual Journaling as an elective option for the 2024/25 school year.”

On October 20, high school art teachers and a group of high school students will spend the day at Finley Middle School for the annual Finley Art Road Show, meeting with eighth graders, to discuss high school art courses and share their thoughts and experiences.

The Second Annual Huntington Arts Night will be held on Friday evening, March 1. “The night will highlight the artwork from many of our amazingly talented staff members, along with an opportunity for students and families to participate in a hands-on craft,” Mr. Stellato said. “The night will conclude with performances from our talented music teachers from across the school district.”

This year’s district-wide art show and fashion show will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 21-22 in the high school gymnasium. Student work from all grade levels will be on display. “It’s really an amazing showcase,” Mr. Stellato said.

Art students and their families are encouraged to follow the district arts Instagram account at hufsd_arts. A flyer with a QR code for the Instagram page is posted on the district website.