Heck yeah! There's no doubt the boy's got skills. Jack has shown he can handle a range of mediums and styles at such a young age. This drawing of you is quite touching too Danny. Anyhow, so many choices these days, huh? I recall as a kid having to go to the school in my area--whatever that elementary school may be. The art programs were mediocre, for the most part, though I had some great teachers in highschool. Whatever the choice you make, I'm glad you support and encourage art as an important part of his life. I believe a well rounded education with a good art program is most important personally. I can also see how parents can be a bit protective and concerned with who might make up a school's student body. When some of my students (I teach art to elementary school kids), on rare occasion, ask me why we have art in school, I try and explain to them how, even if you never grow up to become an artist, learning how to observe and record one's surroundings and exercising that imaginative part of the brain that is often undervalued in the American education system, will help you with so many other aspects of life (sometimes we can discuss this even further, in depth, believe it or not). In the meantime, I really enjoy your work Danny and have even used lessons from your Creative License book with my younger students, as well as the middle and high school kids I teach in the summer. Best of luck to you and Jack!

Sounds even worse when I read about it all! You might have also mentioned my favorite schools" High School For Food and Finance and the Talented Unlimited HS! If only such things were available in Ohio when i was young!
YW

I have no ideas what sorts of things art teachers look at, but I notice that he is very good at showing light and shadows in his pieces. Does he prefer pen to pencil like you do? I noticed that the still lifes in pencil seemed to use pen techniques?

Danny, I think Jack's work is very good. I teach illustration at Kutztown University of PA and I can't say his work would get him college just yet, but he should certainly be accepted to a fine arts high.

Jack's larger decision, is it worth narrowing his options by focusing on the arts over sciences, liberal arts, and other general education subjects, is too important a question to leave to your devoted fans.
But since you asked…

I have two grown children, a daughter who has a BFA in Painting and a son studying creative writing at the University of Pittsburgh.I love them like you and Patti love Jack. I wonder if a talented young person in 21st century America should devote his or her life to art. I wonder if their lives would be easier if they studied to be X-Ray technicians, auto mechanics, lawyers, or accountants.

Certainly finding a job and an apartment and earning money would be easier. They might become weekend warriors and paint or write when they get home.

The truth is ours is a pragmatic society that pays lip service to the arts, but truly values more quantifiable skills. Still at the end of the day, you know this, the most rewarding thing in the world is touching other’s hearts and minds and souls.

Last thought, life is not a single lane highway. Jack, or my kids, or you or I can backtrack and reroute and take another road. When Jack gets to that next onramp, college, I’d suggest a university with a good art department over an art school, but that is down the road.

All best wishes, Kevin

If this drawing of you was done by Jack it is great! I hope he gets into his school of choice. We never had a choice, or parents that were as interested. I'm sure my life would have taken a different turn. Well, all things work out according to God's plan.

Oh. Oh, my. Yes yes yes. A most decided Yes. These are wicked cool. Go, Jack Tea!

AND YOUR WORRIED. dANNY...COME ON HES A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK!!!!

Homeschool.

Looking at these, it's easy to forget that Jack is not nearing the end of HS, but only STARTING it! He does have incredible talent.

I can't get over the portraits, in particular! They are filled with character, warmth, humor, energy... and they could have easily been done by an established artist well out of high school or uni!

The rest of his drawings/paintings are also amazing.. the animals, the painterly ones ...and the still life from memory is incredible! I would have had a hard time w/ that one.

While I can't give any advice on whether Jack should get a more "well-rounded" education, in areas besides the arts, I can say that I've never heard anyone bemoan the fact that they went to an arts-based HS. Quite the opposite: they are excited, happy and proud of their time spent there; honing their craft and studying with like-minded people and teachers.

My mother often feels regret that she didn't send me to one in our area, but I figure, if there is something I want to do, or still want to learn.. my time spent in a private Catholic HS with a slim-to-nothing arts budget won't be holding me back in the least.

Either way he chooses, Jack's natural talent and drive is what will carry him forward with great success.

Well done, Jack!
I enjoyed this entry so much Danny.. thanks...

Had to laugh at Patti's comment. He he.

(And please excuse the length of this comment. It's been a while since I've piped up and I think I'm making up for that, in one hit.)

Take care, Gregorys! Thanks for the inspiration.

My daughter and my niece just went through something similar last year when they applied for an art program at our high school. Being an artist and writer who chose a traditional career, I find myself pushing my daughter to attend a university art program for college. Who is to say what any of them will be doing in 20 years. The most important thing is that they have a well-rounded education and develop a passion for what they chose to do in life.

I have a feeling that Jack will be more influenced by his talented and passionate parents and make the choices that are right for him, despite whatever track he chooses educationally.

If it were my own child and they were obviously smart like Jack, and they had a passion for art, I would insist on a well grounded education from the best academic school within my reach. I'd encourage as much art as my child wanted even if it meant paying for classes outside school, because in the end -- for people like us, art is oxygen. Let's not forget that there are jobs for artists -- graphic design, product design, advertising design, teaching, art therapy, web design, architecture, just to name a few. While they aren't the same as painting from your heart, it is possible to find employment in a creative profession. That really is what your asking aren't you, Danny? What type of education is going to best prepare Jack for the world he will have to live in?

Those artists that can bring other strong skills to the table always stand out among the crowd. We need not think of ourselves singularly as merely artists but multi-dimensional people that have the gift of being able to think creatively and observe keenly as well as other qualities valuable in the marketplace. Jack will do just fine. And the irony of this is that I know many artists with advanced degrees from fine art programs who are trying now to unlearn what they were taught in school so they can create are more authentically like Jack!

Your family all knows that art is at the center of the universe, right? Jack should draw and paint and make music and dance wether he chooses to be a rock climber or an accountant. For now, he's doing very good work. I've never regretted my art training, even though it doesn't put food on the table (so I teach).

Greetings,

After watching the video on the Massive Sketch book I thought that Jack might want to get into acting! He seems like a very grounded young man, and has two parents who seek to see him be victorious in all that he does. What a blessing! Here in Ca. there are not the many choices you have in NYC, either public or private school, and the public school will be the one assigned to your address. Which can be a blessing or a nightmare! Art classes are elective subjects taught be lack luster instructors who are under paid and under motivated because their school district focuses on academics and art is seen as a joke. So Jack is lucky to have such a choice and such opportunities. I am sure are parents you will help to guide and direct him in achieving sucess in whatever role he decides to fulfill in his life. Love him, accept him, and watch him turn the world on its ear! You as parents will not lose. Blessings Greg

I would send him to an arts high school. his portraits and animals are phantastic.

I am surprised at the complexity of what you must go through in order to place your child in a good high school. The pressures placed on our children (and parents) is unbelievable today and living where you do, seems to have added so much additional pressure on your decision making process.

Your question: Should he spend more time on art? In the end, what Jack does with his art will be entirely up to him but giving him as much creative exposure as he can possibly get is always a plus. It sounds as if he loves to draw and by his potrfolio it is evident that he does enjoy drawing and has talent. Based on your knowledge of the schools and his desire to study art (or other) I believe you'll make a sound decision. Try not to put too much pressure on yourselves or Jack trying to see every angle, remember some of the most infamous artists and professionals had very little "formal" training. All the best to Jack and his future endeavors!

YO! What's wrong with Jersey? This is Sopranoland, pal...watch your step! :)

It seems crazy to put a kid (and his family) through all of this to choose a high school, when you have to turn around and do it again with even more intensity in 4 years when you apply to college. I left NY years ago rather than have my kids interviewed and tested and judged for entrance into the "right" pre-school that would funnel them into the "right" elementary school, that would gain them access to the "right" high school. They went to public schools and lived in the country and are fine, well-educated, artistic people. Don't sweat it! It will all work out, no matter where Jack goes.

WOW! I just can't believe how nice everyone is to comment and pay attention to this "topic" our family is sorting out! So many supportive, thoughtful, kind messages from Steve, Berg, Kevin, Savyon, Cristi, Jean, Amy, Loretta, Lois, Velma, Greg, KSKlein, Maggie, and Pam. Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts. This sense of community amongst art-minded-people is the thing that I hope Jack will discover in high school and in life. Your presence here makes me think it's absolutely "right" that he pursue some experience that includes art and creativity if this is any indication of what he may count on for future community. Thank you all so much for sharing your insights with us.

WOW! I just can't believe how nice everyone is to comment and pay attention to this "topic" our family is sorting out! So many supportive, thoughtful, kind messages from Steve, Berg, Kevin, Savyon, Cristi, Jean, Amy, Loretta, Lois, Velma, Greg, KSKlein, Maggie, and Pam. Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts. This sense of community amongst art-minded-people is the thing that I hope Jack will discover in high school and in life. Your presence here makes me think it's absolutely "right" that he pursue some experience that includes art and creativity if this is any indication of what he may count on for future community. Thank you all so much for sharing your insights with us.

I think Greg hit the nail on the head. I agree that Jack is very talented and I can see him going far with video and acting.

I believe parents should encourage a child's passion and find ways to expand it no matter what the cost. My parents did not do this for me. All my young life, all I did was design and make clothes but they never recognized it as a passion--not even a hobby--but rather something I occupied my free time with. Therefore, they invested nothing in me.

My parents were very strict and dictated that I follow the regular school business or secretarial plan in high school. In my family, at the time (1975), college for the women was forbidden. So, it even bothers me to hear people say you need to make sure a student is well-rounded. I believe that as long as a person is living and breathing his passion, he
will round himself out--the way that is right for him. My own children are proof of that.

Because I knew what I lacked, I made sure my children didn't have the same. I saw the potential in each of them and invested encouragement, time and money in each of their talents. To this day, they both say that it was my support and encouragement and the way I went about it that got them where they are today. One is a woodworker/cabinetmaker starting his own business with 8 employees at age 25 in Boston and the other, a free-lance graphic artist and print media consultant in NYC. They are both musical (the woodworker, a drummer and the graphic artist, a songwriter, lyricist and bass player), belong to popular bands in their respective communities and each of their bands have produced a CD. The bass player also has a side business producing other band's music.

And, Mom? She put herself through college while working full-time and raising her children on her own, following the normal business/secretarial plan. After all, that's what we all
should do. She ended up in the computer field where she worked for 30 years, always with that nagging feeling that she should be happy because everyone else is. Until one day, she took a leap of faith, quit her lucrative computer job to start her own drapery business. She went across the street to the wholesale upholstery fabric store to shop for fabric for a friend's windows for her whole house, was met by the owner who discussed how he did business with designers (he considered that she fell in that category), she spent four hours looking through swatch books for the right fabrics for her friend, and purchased them. Before the
job for her friend was finished, she already had another house to do in her sketchbook and it hasn't stopped since. When she pauses to think about what happened, she gets goosebumps but the Mom hasn't looked back once to question her decision. She is now working on a design degree at the local college and is currently taking a watercolor class. And, the happiness
factor? Huge! It's just huge!

So, I believe that if you are living and breathing your passion, you are doing what you were put on this earth to do and the Universe responds in kind. I also don't believe for one second that your art will not support you. If you believe that, it won't.

So, Danny, encourage Jack to persue what he's most passionate about--what he's been doing all his life--trust, and he'll soar, just because you did believe in him. Follow what you know
is true in your heart for Jack right now--listen to Jack, too. The "woulda, shoulda, coulda's," especially the "shoulda's," aren't always right for everybody; after all, Jack is already extra-ordinary, right? It took me thirty years to discover but now, to me, it's a no-brainer--follow your passion.

Dear Kate, Your story posted on Danny's site is very inspirational. Thank you for taking the time to write! Your fresh perspective reminds us that a commitment to creativity is valid and can provide sustenance even in a financially-insecure world,
(uh- country), such as ours at this point in history. Our capitalist environment does not make it easy to keep in touch with career or life goals based on creativity. I will be thinking of your family as Jack fills-out his high school choices on the applications this December! Keep well! And,
Regards to your children!
Patti

Dear Kate, Your story posted on Danny's site is very inspirational. Thank you for taking the time to write! Your fresh perspective reminds us that a commitment to creativity is valid and can provide sustenance even in a financially-insecure world,
(uh- country), such as ours at this point in history. Our capitalist environment does not make it easy to keep in touch with career or life goals based on creativity. I will be thinking of your family as Jack fills-out his high school choices on the applications this December! Keep well! And,
Regards to your children!
Patti

He's already an accomplished artist. I think I would lean harder on the academic subjects for now. Try for a balance in arts and sciences with an emphasis on good communication skills. He could go anywhere he wanted to with talent and good grades. He's so young to make such life-limiting choices now.
BTW, the plural of deer is deer.
:D

Wow! What challenges for you all. I'm also struggling with this topic because my oldest will be going to kindergarten next year. I'm trying to choose between the more artsy k-6 with animals and circus classes and the academically strong k-12 that's on 355 acres. I'm finding it difficult to trust in the art foundation that I know he'd love. Strange coming from the art major/graphic artist.

fabulous! what a soul! art yes!

It sounds like a nightmarish process but I especially applaud your involvement as parents in the process because I think you are assuming very generously that all parents are this involved and concerned, without becoming non-productive nags. Jack is very lucky to have you as parents, and also very talented. He can't go wrong. Now if only he would think about applying to the School for Food and Finance, he'd have a chance on Bravo's Top Chef!

Snapshots is a complete pain in the arse. Is it necessary on your site?

Thanks to Jack, for letting you share his portfolio with us. He has some great pieces in there!

I wouldn't worry about Jack studying art to the detriment of other subjects. He seems like a very bright guy -- I'm sure he'll find his way, no matter what comes.

As parents, we can't help but want to protect our kids. But we have to remember that this is their journey in life, not ours, and that things may be very different for them. Personally, I struggle every day to let my kid live his life without me over-managing. I think you and Patti are doing your best by Jack, and he will do you proud, no matter where he goes to school.

Jack's contour drawing of the conch shells and his watercolor of the moose are especially nice. What I gather from the comments here is that Jack is motivated. An eighth grader with self discipline and a soaring spirit will blow you away!
Keep in mind that drawing is a skill, and like any other, can be learned and polished at different levels. It has been my experience that with exposure to various media techniques, young people can created stunning works. Whether or not you choose a more 'creative" HS for him, encourage him to grow and change creatively in a nurturing environment.
Rest assured that there are many of us art teachers in elementary, jurnior and senior high schools in little burgs all over this country who work in the trenches every day with your young artists (and they are all artists if we let them be) with no budget and no cool art labs...and we are astounded at what we can do together. Joyfully, peacefully, beautifully.
Be well and do good work.

Yes by all means. Jack Tea's work is pure and from his heart. I hope he never loses his fine touch. I wish him the best of everything and may all of his desires come true. Janice C.

Have to comment on an article you wrote in March 2005, The Art Spirit:
I love Robert Henri's work and he is still educating artists long after his earthly demise; his spirit lives on.

Jack's still life bowl of fruit is awesome! Take it from a frustrated amateur artist Jack, if I had to do it over again I would have headed to the ART SCHOOL.

Oh Jack! You are brilliant! I especially liked the mice and moose. You will find an interesting path in life whichever school you choose to attend. Any school would be lucky to have you as a student and an inspiration. You have inspired me today.

The portfolio is really, really impressive. It's one of the later comments in the post that sticks in my mind though: "However, he has never really taken much in the way of academic art and usually resists formal teaching." That, taken together with the fact that he is a very good student generally, would make me wonder whether a high school with a heavy emphasis on formal art is the best choice.

I'm a musician, but attended a strongly academic (public) high school. It happened to have a flourishing music department, probably because there's a reasonable correlation between kids who are good at the traditional academic subjects and musical study, and because families that nurture academically strong kids usually do so through giving them all sorts of opportunities to pursue brain-developing creative endeavours. Certainly that was my experience.

So I got what I consider to have been an unbeatable education in maths, sciences, English, etc., and I could study music too (inside and outside school). When I received my uni offers I was in a position to choose between two music degree programs as well as a very generous information technology scholarship program - you couldn't get further apart on the spectrum than that! I went for music and with no regrets, but could as easily have gone the IT route. Point is: my solid high school education and excellent all round results gave me the choice.

If I'd gone to the performing arts high school equivalent and specialised in music from age 11, I may not have had that choice - certainly I would not have had the rigorous intellectual grounding that is now an asset in my musical career. Ironically, two students moved, part way through high school, from that perf. arts high school to my more academically focused high school, precisely because they found that the education they were receiving was too limited and was based on the assumption that music was the only career option worth pursuing (the pianist wanted to be a doctor, and the violinist had decided she wanted to be a vet - they both achieved those aims and both still make music).

More recently, my nephew, who is also musical, has decided to pursue his music independently and study other electives (such as Japanese and art, where he is also very talented) at high school. His music won't suffer for that, and his education will be all the richer.

You are in a special position of being able to teach and guide your son in his artistic pursuits independently of any formal high school studies. (Unlike, say, parents without art skills of their own, wanting to give a fabulous opportunity to an artistically gifted child.) Which would make me suggest that an excellent all-round high school with a solid liberal program (including creative arts) would be a top preference.

A "Fame" style high school might be fantastic and oh so much fun at the time. (I know I fantasized sometimes of going to such a high school.) But the truth is that the performing and visual arts can be pursued in all sorts of independent and extra-curricular ways. But the fundamentals that will equip your son for ANY future endeavour can really only be developed in a solid school environment.

That said: there will be no "wrong" decision, as long as whatever path that is followed is followed wholeheartedly and with intelligence.

My best wishes!

I was an art teacher K-6 for 25 years and an art instructor at a community college teaching drawing and art education. Some art teachers are bizarre and on power trips. I see promise in Jack's work. He needs some old fashioned instruction on shading and proportion and yada, yada, but I see his gift and his love for what he's doing and I hope it stays ignited. I've also seen his creativity at work in his film work and dog wrangling. He's multi-talented. He needs to continue to study lots of things without excluding anything. My daughter is studying for a Master's in hydrology because I encouraged her not to simply devote herself to art but to use her gifts in math and science. She graduated with a double major and honors from MSU. She still cuts beautiful snowflakes and does collages and other creative things, but I am really happy with her choice of career path and so is she.

I have gone through the New York high school application process, so I can relate! I just wanted to let you know that LaGuardia has an honors track for highly academic students called the DaVinci Scholars. It was started last year. Although my daughter was accepted to 3 studios last year (art, voice and tech theatre), she decided to go to a very reputable, highly academic private school. Now, she wishes she were attending LaGuardia. Best of luck to you and your son!

Our family has been going through the NYC DOE HS admission process for a current 8th grader, just as you, at the same time.

My feeling is that the DOE has an extraordinary selection of schools for the vast majority of students.

While there are a few exceptional schools best suited for the top 5% or so of the students, the majority of schools are mainstream suitable for the average to above average student.

The classic response to selection is do not think that Harvard is your top pick if the student is suited for the Community College.

With regard to an art program, we looked at several but found none that had academic excellence. If your child is interested in art then find a school which has some art but not as a major in art. Then, let the student take some after school and weekend classes at places like the School of Visual Arts, Parsons, and the Community Colleges.

While it is too late to apply for next year, a couple of the art based HS programs which you did not mention are HS of Fashion Industries (Manhattan) and Frank Sinatra (Queens)