October Arts Spotlight: Sarah Robinson '20
Sarah Robinson ’20 a day student from Saxtons River, Vermont was recently accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) highly competitive animation program.
At SCAD Sarah will have the opportunity to be taught by and study under some of the top animation professionals and professors, including Chris Gallager who was the technical director on a handful of Disney animated movies. Gallager has received multiple Academy Awards for his work on Moana, Big Hero 6, Frozen as well as other animated movies.
Visual Arts Department Chair, Ms. Lisa McNealus said, “Sarah is a gifted student who came to VA with a real thirst to learn more about making art and exploring her creativity. She has succeeded on both fronts.”
Sarah’s advisor, English Department Chair Ms. Jo Fuller said, “Sarah has her heart and mind in all aspects of the arts. She has written a novel for NaNoWriMo and is co-president of write club. She played principal roles all three seasons of theater her junior year, including the lead in a student-written play, a project she took on in her free time. She is an Instagram-famous artist and has won a number of regional awards for visual arts. Despite her commitment to the arts, she would never give up her seasons of Crew and JV hockey; she loves both sports.
What art class has been your favorite at Vermont Academy?
My favorite art class was probably drawing, it was relaxing and I was totally in my element. Also, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love showing off a bit.
Why did you choose SCAD?
I decided to go to SCAD because during my sophomore year I remember one of their reps coming to VA and I fell in love. SCAD has every type of artistic path I could ever dream of taking and works alongside huge companies to produce everything from pictures, movies, video games and some of the biggest names in fashion. I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.
When did you first figure out that you had a passion for the arts?
The day I came to live with my parents, my mom gave me a coloring book, and she told me that all kids like coloring books. I colored exactly inside the lines and made my picture look as real as I could. I have never put a pencil down since.
What is your favorite medium?
I love painting and using ink but my favorite medium will always be a pencil, every artist starts with a pencil and no matter where you go you can always find a sheet of paper and a pencil.
What is your favorite piece that you have done?
My favorite piece I have ever created is probably a painting of two dogs I did for a VA student’s parent for graduation. When she saw the painting she was so filled with joy to see her dogs she cried. I remembered then that that’s why I do art, to make others feel. Whether it’s tears of joy, sadness or anger I like to connect with people through my creations.
What are you most excited about at SCAD?
Going to SCAD I’m most excited to get to know other artists from the amateurs like me to the big-time producers.
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
