Arts & Electives

December 11, 2022

Blacksburg Zine Fest ’22

Seven students from the CHS Zine Club shared little books by themselves and past members at the first Blacksburg Book and Art Fair. They mingled with other members of the SW Virginia publishing & art community and distributed scores of zines, including a set purchased for the zine collection of the Hollins University library.

Below can find links to some of the Gristle Butter publications created by our students.

The group thanks the students, parents, and faculty who stopped by to say hello!

December 11, 2022

Zine Fest!

Olchar gave his CHS Zine Club students their first opportunity since quarantining began to meet other zine makers, as well as learn about and become involved in the broader zine community.

The group worked a booth to sell and trade their zines at the brand-new Blacksburg Zine Fest (officially “Art & Book Fair”).

Olchar also worked a table for Monocle-Lash Anti-Press.

Former Band teacher joins the band for a song

November 8, 2022

John McBroom Returns!

Our school band, now under the wonderful direction of Brian Mesko, gave an amazing debut performance at our fall dance. John McBroom, our former band teacher, surprised us and joined the band for a song.

August 27, 2022

Meet Our New Band Leader

Meet our new band leader, Brian Mesko. Born into a family of musicians in Little Rock, AR, Brian mastered rhythm section instruments and has been gigging since age 14. Prog rock influences led him to discover fusion and then jazz, for which he developed the strongest passion for and settled on guitar as his primary instrument. Welcome to CHS, Brian, we’re excited to have you with us.

August 27, 2022

Welcome, Devonn!

Our new physical education teacher is Devonn McKenna. Her teaching philosophy centers on students’ lived experiences and fosters individuality in the classroom. Devonn is invested in changing the future of education through inclusive critical pedagogy and culturally relevant teaching.

August 27, 2022

Film is back!

We are very excited to announce our new film instructor – Ryan Totaro.

He will teach courses in film history, production, theory, and criticism, as well as take on administrative responsibilities.

May 13, 2022

New Decor Appears In the Student Lounge

The Puppets and Creepy Dolls class has contributed to the decor in the student lounge. But not all of the dolls are creepy. Zora D. made this adorable bunny without the assistance of a pattern!

May 1, 2022

Jack in the Green

Our Puppets class helped make the face for Jack in the Green which was featured by Art Rat Studios at the 2022 May Daze Festival.

March 14, 2022

Pi-ñata

We’re thankful for the students in our Creepy Puppets class for making the pi-ñata for our Pi Day festivities.

February 25, 2022

Field Trip to the Taubman Museum of Art

As a school we visited the Taubman Museum of Art to see the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit.

Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter is an expert storyteller who harnesses the power of visual communication to share narratives of culture, race, and politics. Creating costumes for generation-defining films like Black Panther, Coming 2 America, Selma, and Do the Right Thing, she brings vibrancy, nuance, color, and texture to each of her culture-shifting characters. Afrofuturism in Costume Design features unforgettable designs from nearly four decades of her career within an Afrofuturistic installation incorporating original artwork by artist Brandon Sadler, whose murals were prominently featured in Black Panther.

— Taubman Museum of Art.