STUDENT GALLERY

Check below to see examples of
Telluride Mountain School student work.

Student Gallery . All School
Stencil Art
Rock and Roll Academy

Stencil Art
Guided by the creative talent of Mountain School art instructor Craig Wasserman, Intermediate and Upper School students produced stencil art creations after completing a unit based on the printmaking medium of the stencil. Students researched the history of the stencil, then viewed numerous examples from urban displayed prints and gallery projects. They also defined and explored the recent concept of phenomology through the works of West Coast artist Shepard Fairey. Students learned carbon pressure-transfer, cutting techniques and print applications methods; they were encouraged to explore and develop new tools and custom techniques as well. When it came to selecting a muse, many chose to replicate political and cultural icons, including George W. Bush, Colonel Sanders, Jimi Hendrix and Ronald McDonald.

Rock and Roll Academy
Mountain School students study with local musician Mark Galbo, who recently founded the Telluride Rock and Roll Academy in the Mountain Village. Students travel downstairs to the Academy's studio every week to work with Galbo on various projects that are initiated by the students themselves. In fact, the Mountain School boasts many rock bands among its student body. A student-centered approach at the Academy creates a safe environment for musical exploration. "Ultimately, what we all want is not only to be able to play an instrument, but to also learn to express ourselves creatively. In that sense, what we offer here is a lot more than a standard 'guitar lesson'. We hope to open the door to true self-expression, that is, to becoming an artist," notes Galbo.

Material ranges from AC/DC, Zeppelin and Skynyrd, to Sublime, Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Musical tastes vary somewhat by age-group. "Whatever the musical style, the building blocks of music remain the same," says Galbo, adding, "The most important thing is to inspire each student". Combined with this musical openness is the opportunity for students to get their hands on a cornucopia of great instruments. Drums, basses, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and a sound-system for vocals all vie for the students' attention. "Sometimes a young musician will sign up for the week to play guitar but then come in and fall in love with the drums and spend all week behind the set. Whatever draws the student deeper into a musical experience is what we encourage."