Digital arts inspire pupils

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Students in the digital arts program at the Eisenhower and Barkalow middle schools have been learning to develop their artistic talents through digital photography and video animation using the latest technology in computers, cameras and software. The program is offered as a related art available to eighth-graders for half the year and sixth- and seventh-graders for one quarter.

“I am very fortunate because the students love to do their work and go above and beyond the expectations,” said Julia Bulkley, digital arts teacher at the Eisenhower Middle School, Burlington Road.

According to a press release from the school district, Bulkley’s seventh grade class recently completed a clay animation project where students developed story boards, created clay figures, props and settings, and took still photos to blend together to create a video.

“Students are combining technology with craft and are excited about the finished project,” she said.

Bulkley is equally excited about her students’ work and has entered various completed video animations into the Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival which will take place on March 17.

Sarah Swenarton and Callie Weise, seventh-graders at Eisenhower, are two youngsters who will have their work “Splish Splash” at the Teen Arts Festival.

“It was great to look at the pictures coming together for the video,” Callie said. “I hope to take the program again next year.”

Other student work that was submitted includes “Shark Attack” by Cody Clayton and Richard Loftus, and “Not Meant to Be” by Katie Potis.

“I am interested in computers and art so it is a cool thing for me to do,” Katie said.

Upon completing the digital arts program, students will have their work on a DVD to become part of a digital art portfolio.

Clay animations are seventh-grade projects completed at Eisenhower and Barkalow. In eighth grade, students at both schools work on scripting and story boarding to create public service announcements and documentaries that they produce, according to the press release.

According to Bulkley, the program has been a wonderful experience and the students continue to express their creativity by combining the elements available to them.