Scholars visit Time Magazine's Photo Desk

On Friday afternoon, a group of both Sophomore and Junior Scholars visited the Photo Desk of Time Magazine with Pete Pin.  We discussed different kinds of photography, the role of photography in print media, as well as types of careers in photography and their conditions.  Pete introduced concepts around mainstream media and marketing, the transition from print to internet based media, and raised moral and ethical questions for the Scholars to begin thinking about.

Today's trip to TIME magazine was incredible.  I always dreamed of something like that and it seemed so simple with Parsons to get there and to be welcomed.  The feeling I got there was just great.  I learned about different types of photography and how it can be useful in different areas of creativity in the future.  I was fascinated by the idea of photographers that can be writers at the same time and travel to different countries, working on something in particular.  I find this really interesting concerning the fact that there are not a lot of people that find it easy to travel, and to work on photography and writing at the same time.  However, traveling can be dangerous, but I believe that if a person is in love with such a job then it's incredibly valuable.  I find something really extraordinary in it that keeps my interest.  ---Mariya Trukhan

Our tour of TIME magazine was very interesting.  Pete, our guide, gave us an idea of what working for a magazine is really like, and all the effort that goes into it.  He explained the differences between being a fashion photographer and being a documentary photographer.  We found out that documentary photographers get paid less than fashion photographers most of the time.  We also discussed the impact that the internet is having not only on the magazine industry but also in newspapers, books and media.  -- Naiky Paradis

On February 24th, I met went for the first time to the TIME magazine building.  It was amazing because I learned how the magazine works.  My questions were about what kind of photography they use and how do they organize the magazine.  With this trip, I have a more clear idea now.  Also it helps me to think more about doing my own magazine.  I want to do one if I have an opportunity to in the future.  ---Griselda Vazquez

I learned a lot about photography, and how different it is fpr a person that takes photos of war compared to someone that takes photos of models and important people.  I learned how jobs are different, like how different kinds of photographers aren't paid the same, and how many pages they usually have and how big their photos can be. ---Michael Ortega.

When we went to Time Magazine I thought it was cool. I liked how Pete gave us a tour around.  I got to see many photos that I thought were nice.   I also liked how Pete talked to us about photography. He told me things that I didn’t know.   I really enjoyed our trip. :] ---Nyasha. Daniels

Chelsea Galleries

In Feb, 11, 2012 Parsons Scholar explore some of the best galleries in Chelsea. They were able to experience art in New York City with their amazing Youth Advocates Tanya, Nicole and Jules.

Scholar's Responses to Chelsea Galleries Visit

The best part of the trip was when we went to Jonathan Levine Gallery to look at Natalia Fabias' work, which was awesome.  I mean amazing.  Her works were very inspiring.  I wish to become a painter like her.  Her paintings are so good they look like they're photographs.  The stuff she paints is so realistic with  some glitter and rainbows.  She loves using lots of color which I love.  She reminds me of me because I also love fashion and the life she describes in her paintings.  I like to draw what I see mostly from a picture.  She inspires me to learn how to paint and become a pro.  In her paintings, the women are full of beauty.  I'm a person who likes the finer things on earth, and luxurious, pretty shiny things.  I also like places like art galleries.  I like that glamorous acts of womanhood that are often kept secret from the world of men.  I love to put on makeup since I was little.  It makes me feel like a woman and that feeling of sexiness when putting on a red lipstick.  I love to learn about different things, places and culture and things related to fashion.  So I'm always looking at foreign fashion magazines.  Fashion isn't the only thing I like.  I also love music that I have listened to in different languages.  I am obsessed with my camera.  I love taking pictures, not just of people but also of pretty views.  I like all seasons except summer- it's too hot.  I mostly like to take pictures of the snow and rain.  I felt great after going to a gallery like that.  I'm planning on going back to the place on the weekend or on school breaks.  After going to the gallery, it made me think about what I could do and use those ideas around me in my artwork.  Natalia Fabia has become my favorite artist after looking at her work. ---Mehraz Sultana

My favorite part of going to the galleries was seeing all the different possibilities of art and how many things you can do with color.  Something important I saw was painting water and how cool it looked.--- Eilyn Gutierrez

What did I think of the art galleries?  I liked them, I guess.  It just made me think about the intentions of some artists.  Like, were their intentions just to make money, or just to make something that's cool to look at, or were the intentions to send a message of some sort to society?  It makes me think about what my intentions and motives are to pursue art. --- Destinee A. Calderon

In my opinion the galleries that we visited were really great.  I found it really useful and helpful.  By getting into Parsons and by visiting the galleries with the people that have the same purpose such as to learn more about art history and taste was a really great experience! --- Marya Trukhan

The trip was amazing!  As a class we went to see five different types of galleries.  The paintings at those galleries were stunning.  The details on the clothing and on the faces were incredibly well done.  I was questioning myself.  How did these artists get so good at painting?  And what did it take for them to get to be so popular?  I wish that when I grow up I get to exceed in the way I draw and paint.  These people inspire me to get better so that I could surpass them one day. --- Saul Jean Charles

Damien Hirst:  The Complete Spot Paintings:  These paintings are typical of modern art in that I was thrown completely off balance.  But even though I can't admit that I understood it, I did appreciate it.  I recently found out in painting class how much I love color, so I can relate to that.  Damien Hirst must have an extensive knowledge of color.

Simone Leigh:  You Don't Know Where Her Mouth Has Been:  I found this exhibition to be a little unsettling, but I think maybe that was her point.  Guessing from the title of the exhibition and the pieces I would say that she focuses on the hardships of women, specifically aboriginal or tribal women.  I thought it was very interesting.

Natalia Fabia:  Punk Rock Rainbow Sparkle:  I liked Natalia Fabia's paintings a lot.  They were so masterfully done and the subjects were part of the punk rock scene, which is as much a part of our culture as anything else. ----Dana Chaudhury

Parsons Scholars Senior Project

On February 4, Senior Scholars began their senior project with instructor Joe Rutt and TA's Joelle and Richard. The Scholars are going to be working with an organization called Beyond Bullets, which uses documentary films to educate teenagers about gun violence. The Scholars will be working to develop materials for the organization to use when presenting their films in school and in the community. They will be researching, brainstorming, collaborating, and designing to create collateral such as CD packaging, posters, and pamphlets.

First day back!

On February 4^th, 2012, the Parsons Scholars were reunited after a much-deserved winter break. This semester, the new group of Sophomores will be taking a Foundation Studio (Intro to Drawing & Design) course, while the Juniors continue to explore areas of their interest and Seniors work on their final capstone project.

After working hard in morning classes, everyone reconnected at lunch before parting ways to afternoon field trips, workshops and SAT prep classes. We are now looking forward to a new, eventful semester!

Parsons Scholars Reunion

On December 19^th, 2011, the Scholars family gathered for our annual reunion. There was dancing, singing, healthy competition and fun had by all. Definitely our highlight of the year, we’re already looking forward to gathering current and past Scholars next year!

Senior Project Workshop with Shola!

On Saturday, February 11 Scholars met with Shola for the first time to start working on the PSA for the Beyond Bullets Campaign. They talked about what a PSA is and looked at some examples, discussing why some were successful and other unsuccessful. They also started generating some ideas for their own PSAs.

Welcome, Sophomores!

On Saturday Januray 28^th, our new class of Scholars joined us for the first time during a Parsons Scholars Program orientation.

After receiving more information about the program, the Scholars all participated in a 60-second self-portrait drawing game where they split up into two teams and tried to identify who each portrait belonged to.

The scholars slowly started breaking out of their shells as the game got under way and the game turned competitive. In the end, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and team 2 was declared the winner.

Welcome to the Sophomore class of 2014. We’re excited to have you all on board!