Lauren's Musing:
What Mile is This?

It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon.

Words of wisdom especially for right now. We understand that there might be a long road ahead. That said … I just wish I knew what mile we are on.

We know where the New York Marathon ends. We can see that finish line (although not this year because, sadly, it’s been cancelled). But the marathon we are running now has no finish line in sight.

Yet, I also think we are living in a time that feels like our great chance. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild our society into one that will provide equity for all and a livable habitat for generations to come. That future at the finish line is well worth the challenge of getting there.

Whatever mile marker we are crossing, I can’t wait to celebrate the finish line of Usdan’s first virtual summer with all of you. Please join us at Usdan Happy Hours, our celebration next Wednesday, August 19 at 4:00 PM. It will be an afternoon of Usdan-love, creativity, and the coming together of Usdan traditions old and new.  

In the meantime, enjoy below a taste of the exciting art-making happening in the last week of Usdan Online Summer 2020, and I promise to share more youthful creativity when we launch the Fall 2020 session in October.

- Lauren Brandt Schloss, Executive Director

Watercolor Painting

On the final day of the course, teacher Annie created a watercolor exhibition to celebrate the fantastic artwork created in the online studio. Each student had their work "hung" in a virtual gallery space.

Students had made desk-sized paintings that were effectively blown up to Jackson Pollock scales. 

When looking at one young artist's work, Annie asked, "What does the blue painting remind us of?" One student said, "tie-dye, because all of the colors are blending into abstract shapes." Another artist shared, "I think it reminds me of blueberries." 

Watercolor Painting Class

Telling a Story with Food

The class dedicated this week to sharing recipes and the personal stories behind them. Recipes included baked mac and cheese, strawberry whip, and shakshuka.

Sofia shared: I picked baked mac and cheese because it’s one of my favorites, and I thought mac n cheese would be really yummy and fun to make.

Lauren shared: Every Passover I would go to my grandparents’ house and have strawberry whip for dessert. I really enjoyed it and it became a tradition to make strawberry whip every Passover. I also make it at home sometimes. 

Maya shared: The reason I chose this recipe is because every time I eat this it is usually with my family, and it brings happy memories of eating dinner with them. It’s an easy recipe to make and it's delicious!

One student showed off her masterful work - shakshuka on toast!

Telling a Story with Food Class

Usdan Magazine: The Art of the Edit

On the first day, the class shared their artistic vision boards and students talked about what inspired their creativity - a "map of their artistry" teacher Jay said. 

By the end of the week, the students had created a full magazine titled "Uniquely U" and comprised of their individual creative portfolios and artwork made in the online studios this summer. On the last day of class, Jay took the students through the magazine and they made final creative choices together. 

The students had become experts in Canva design. 

Bonus Artwork

Enjoy some bonus artwork from our 2D Studio, 2D Studio: Comics, Photography & Creative Installation, and 3D Workshop studios. 

Upcoming Community Events

Usdan Happy Hours

We hope you will tune in next Wednesday for an afternoon of Usdan-love, creativity, and festivity. Usdan Happy Hours is a free event and is open to all members of Usdan's community. 

The event will celebrate student work created in this summer's online studios and will also include some of Usdan's most beloved traditions such as the gong ring, Festival performances, Lifer Awards, and a recognition of our 5-year students.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 / 4:00 PM - 6:15 PM

Act I: Courses July 6-17 / 4:00 PM*
Intermission: Festival Performance, Live
Act II: Courses July 20-31 / 4:45 PM*
Intermission: Festival Performance, Live
Act III: Courses August 3-14 / 5:30 PM*
Finale: Usdan Traditions
(Gong Ring, Lifer Awards, and 5-Year Recognition)

*Estimated start times

Thank you to our sponsors as of 8/14/20

Diana Cioffi
The Gewirtz Family
Winn Keaten
Valerie Makarick and Shawn Masia
The Schloss Family
The Family of Sophia Wotman

Interested in sponsoring the event? Click the button below. All sponsors will be honored at the event. If you have any questions or would like to speak further, email Stella Shepherd at sshepherd@usdan.org.

Create a U

We are now accepting submissions for new U ideas, and we want your child's help. 

The U’s can be anything. Think of things that are U shaped or things that can be made into a U shape.

All areas of study at Usdan can be used as inspiration: Art. Theater. Writing. Dance. Chess. Nature and Sustainability. Music. Recreation.

Deadline to submit is Friday, August 21, 2020.