FLHS Art Department Philosophy

We strive to nurture and develop each student's ability to become a creative thinker and an empowered, intentional artist while learning the five "C's" (Creative Process, Composition, Creativity/Innovation, Craftsmanship and Communication) to develop the 5 "P's": a Personal Process, Personal Aesthetic, Personal Vision, Personal Mastery, and Personal Voice.  Through an emphasis on student driven work and the creative process, students develop "out of the box" problem solving skills, a personal aesthetic and command of design, the confidence to persevere through failures, and their mastery of skills.  Within the creative process, students research, develop ideas, set goals, develop skills, critique their work, address areas of potential improvement, and reflect on their work and growth. Our mission is to help students discover and pursue their passion; and through hard work and perseverence, develop meaningful work with their unique style, approach and intent. 

FLHS Visual Arts Staff:

Jody Chadwick

jchadwick0185@bcsdny.org

Ceramics & Studio in Crafts

Clubs: Clay Club, Cycle for Survival

Lauren LaMance

llamance1525@bcsdny.org

Digital Art & Photography, & Studio Art

Clubs: Cycle for Survival

Lauren LaMance has been a teacher at Fox Lane High School since 2003. Prior to her time at Fox Lane, she worked as a set artist for theatrical performances in both local and national touring companies. Lauren loves working with students and supporting the development of their personal artwork. She believes in creating warm and caring classroom spaces for students to be able to build their self-esteem and confidence as well as develop their art skills. This year she is teaching Digital Art & Photography and Studio Art. She also co-advises the FLHS for Survival Club, which raises money for rare and pediatric cancer research. She enjoys creating her own mixed media art in her free time. 

Lindsay Lappin-Burke

llappinburke2522@bcsdny.org

Fashion Design, AP Art & Design, & Drawing

Clubs: Fashion Club

I have been a visual arts teacher at FLHS since 2007. This year, I am teaching Drawing, Fashion Design 1, Fashion Design 2, Fashion Design 3, and AP Studio Art & Design. I enjoy working with all art media, but most often find myself painting or sewing. I also have a tradition of creating elaborate decorative cakes for my daughters' birthdays. I LOVE teaching art and am so excited to support our young artists!

Stephanie Poggi-Sanfelice

spoggisanfelice0880@bcsdny.org

Darkroom Photography & Studio Art

Clubs: Photo Club

Stephanie Poggi-Sanfelice has taught art since 2000 and began her career as an Registered Art Therapist and in special education in 1998. It has been her privilege to teach art and inspire creativity for her entire career at Fox Lane High School. She believes in building strong relationships and community within her classes.  This allows her students to have a safe space to explore, take risks and grow as artists. This year she is teaching Photo 1, Photo 2, Advanced Photo 3, Advanced Photo 4, Studio Art, and Studio in Crafts. She is also the advisor of Photo Club.  Stephanie enjoys creating art with all materials but is drawn to traditional and digital photography. 

Amy Salerno

asalerno3722@bcsdny.org

Drawing, Mixed Media, Studio Art

Clubs: Animation Club

Ms Salerno loves the students of BCSD and is grateful to share in their artistic journeys. Her favorite mediums are encaustic painting, pottery and mosaic murals. She graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder and the School of Visual Arts, where she earned her MAT in Art Education. She has been teaching Visual Art at BCSD since 2013, starting at BHES & MKES where she enthusiastically embraced the TAB method in her practice. Attending the TAB Institute in 2014 (elementary) and in 2017 (secondary) upon her move to FLHS has impacted her own work as an artist and her ability to help students build agency in their learning. 

In 2016 she completed an EDL Study at Orsoni Mosaici in Venice: Building Artistic Communities through Mosaic Murals-- earning a Master of Mosaic Certification. Her work in this field was further expanded by studying with Isaiah Zagar of the Philidelphia Magic Gardens. This experience inspired her to design, organize and lead students, faculty and staff in the creation of two large scale mosaic murals at FLHS inspired by his method. (Creativity Takes Courage and Open Your Eyes: If Not Now When?).  This year she is ecstatic to collaborate with Ms. Grano at BVES to create a RULER inspired mosaic mural.  

In her time away from BCSD she works as a consultant for Glomado and a curator for CAWCT. She joyfully creates pottery in her studio at home, playing with her chickens and loves growing giant sunflowers and pumpkins. 

Heather Kranz, K-12 Coordinator for Visual Art 

hkranz0584@bcsdny.org

Ceramics & Painting

Clubs: Art Club, National Art Honor Society

Heather Kranz has had the joy of teaching the students of Fox Lane High School since 1992.  During that time, she has taught many different art courses at Fox Lane, but her favorite media are ceramics, printmaking and painting.  She studied art at Skidmore College, received her MA in Art Education from Columbia Teachers College, and her M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education.  In the classroom, she focuses on creating a nurturing environment, supporting the individual growth of each student, and providing opportunity for students to work towards their own goals, developing their unique aesthetic, creative process and voice.