Fine Arts
Cultivating Personal Expression
Oxbridge Academy’s Fine Arts program encourages students to engage in artistic exploration. Whether beginners or aspiring artists, students are provided opportunities to express their creativity through visual and performance art while developing rich cultural insight through a rich curriculum.
Bio
Brief Background:
Hailing from Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Mrs. Brodsky joined the Oxbridge Academy faculty in 2015. She brings over a decade of photography knowledge as a professional fashion photographer. Her award-winning work has been featured in magazines and marketing campaigns worldwide, including in Japan, Europe, Australia, and the United States. Aside from her artwork, Mrs. Brodsky is an active educator in the digital media industry, writing for various industry websites and publications on topics such as photographic techniques, business practices, inspiration, and post-production.
The Fine Arts department believes that understanding foundational Art skills and concepts through cross-curricular application, history and contemporary exposure, performance, and career opportunities allows for the creation of enhanced artistic literacy, self-expression, personal confidence, communication skills, and mental well-being.
Our courses thread art skills and concepts through observational and conceptual art-making experiences and performances that allow for individuality and creative freedom. The content in the Fine Arts course offerings provides students with fluid and seamless transitions between specialties.KENDRA BRODSKY - FINE ARTS DEPARtment CHAIR
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Our Faculty
Meet Our Fine Arts Faculty
Melissa Lemus
2D Art Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Illustration, Ringling College of Art and Design
M.Ed, Art Education, University of Florida
Brief Background:
Before joining Oxbridge in 2012, Ms. Lemus taught in public schools in Houston as well as in the private sector in West Palm Beach. Many of her students have gone on to pursue advanced art education degrees at the Fashion Institute of Technology, RISD, SCAD, Parsons, Pratt, and Ringling College of Art and Design.
Julia Manson
3D Art Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.F.A., Industrial Design, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
M.F.A, Metal Sculpture and Jewelry Design, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Brief Background:
Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2021, Ms. Manson was a professor of 3D design at RIT and served as the Studio Manager and a graduate teacher. Her commissioned sculptures can be seen at several locations around Rochester. She most recently worked in Austin, Texas, as a professional jewelry designer and metalsmith and volunteered her time with Austin Wildlife Rescue and the Austin Animal Center.
Brenda Hatter
Visual Arts Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Anthropology, University of South Florida
M.Ed, University of North Texas
M.Ed, in Art Education, Pennsylvania West University (pending)
Brief Background:
After receiving an undergraduate degree, Ms. Hatter embarked on an artistic journey, honing her skills as a decorative artist for a renowned Italian-American ceramic company, splitting her time between Nove, Italy, and Tampa, Florida. She has always loved teaching whether it was while volunteering for a fine arts outreach program or here at Oxbridge Academy. She’s taught all levels of visual art and maintains an art studio in Palm Beach Gardens. Her work has been showcased nationwide and at The Orlando Museum of Art in various venues nationwide.
Ray Ryan
Digital Media & Videography Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Motion Graphics Minor, Sound Design, Savannah College of Art and Design
Brief Background:
Before joining the faculty at Oxbridge Academy in 2014, Mr. Ryan worked as a scene cinematographer for Cartoon Network, on the Atlanta-based television show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and as the art director for the Frank Entertainment Group in South Florida.
Ernie Mills
Director of Instrumental Music
Bio
Education:
B.A., Music Education, University of New Hampshire
M.A., Integrated Arts, Plymouth State University
Brief Background:
Since joining Oxbridge Academy in 2015, Mr. Mills has led Oxbridge’s Jazz Ensemble in performance at the Berklee Jazz Festival and has presented at the Florida Educators Association Teacher’s Conference. His Oxbridge students have gone on to study at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, play alongside Grammy-winning musicians and producer Peter Erskine, and perform at SunFest. He also has led Oxbridge’s Jazz Ensemble in performance at the Berklee Jazz Festival.
Kallina Chin
Chorale Teacher
Bio
Education:
M.A., Florida State University
Brief Background:
Ms.Chin has more than seven years of music teaching experience in Florida and six years internationally in Seoul and Dubai. As
a music teacher and vocal director, she takes pride in seeing her students grow in their craft. Many of her students have performed at local events, international festivals, Michelle Obama’s “Just Move” campaign, and the Dubai Opera.
Alyssa Thompson
Dance Teacher
Bio
Education:
B.A., Dance, New World School of the Arts, University of Florida
M.A., Nonprofit Management, Florida Atlantic University
Brief Background:
While still in college, Ms. Thompson performed throughout Miami and in New York at the Joyce Theater, and has danced professionally with the Repertory Dance Theater of Utah, Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre (New Smyrna Beach, FL), and Ballet Florida. An American Ballet Certified (ABT)-teacher, she joined Oxbridge Academy in 2018.
Jacobi Howard
Theater Director
Bio
Education:
B.F.A., University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Brief Background:
Theater Director Jacobi Howard has over two decades of experience as an actor, writer, and director in theater, film, and television. His credits include roles in films such as The Book of Clarence and the Netflix movie The Harder They Fall. He has shared stage and screen with stars such as Idris Elba and Kathleen Turner and has written for an Apple TV series set to debut. As a playwright, his works including "Pants on Fire," "Dirt," and "Souls Amid the Iron Partition" -- have been performed in venues throughout North Carolina. Howard has taught youth master classes, audition workshops, television and film camera techniques, cold readings, and résumé preparation for professional auditions. As a teacher, he says, "I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where students can express themselves authentically and explore their creativity."
Visual Arts Curriculum
Visual Arts
Our visual arts program embraces a wide range of 2D and 3D media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, woodworking, digital art, and photography. While the concepts of design, aesthetics, and historical context are included in faculty instruction, students are encouraged to enjoy the process, use self-expression, and learn to evaluate and critique their work. The curriculum includes visiting artists, travel opportunities, local exhibitions, and competitions.
Courses Offered
- Drawing I
- Drawing II
- Painting I
- Painting II
- 2D Art 3
- 2D Art 4
- 3D Construction & Design I
- 3D Construction & Design II
- Ceramics I
- Ceramics II
- Mixed Media Sculpture I
- Mixed Media Sculpture II
- Architecture 1
- Architecture 2
- Digital Graphic Design I
- Graphic Design II
- Honors Motion Graphics Animation 1
- Honors Motion Graphics Animation 2
- Videography 1
- Videography 2
- Social Media Marketing
- Photography 1
- Photography 2
- Honors Portfolio Design 1
- Honors Portfolio Design 2
Drawing I
DRAWING 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
This class introduces students to a range of drawing techniques used in the creation of illustrative works. The class teaches the proper use of a variety of artistic tools to develop an awareness of craftsmanship. Through this course, students have the opportunity to draw from observation and from their own interests for themed drawings. This course prepares students for all advanced level 2D Art courses.
Drawing II
DRAWING 2
Semester • Drawing 1 or Intro to Drawing Required
This course uses the skills and techniques learned in Drawing 1 as a foundation for students to create works that fit their own personal style. Projects are designed to teach advanced drawing skills and additional exploration of drawing media. Topics and themes are chosen to further the development of students’ strengths, personal interests, and creative styles. This course is preparation for all advanced level 2D Art courses.
Painting I
PAINTING 1 |
This class teaches safety, tools, and techniques of each medium to establish best practices and craftsmanship skills. Projects are based on personal photographs and observations given specific themes that work best for each medium. Students learn about how color and layers bring their paintings to life. This course is preparation for all advanced level 2D art classes. |
Painting II
PAINTING 2
Semester • Painting 1 Required
Painting 2 continues the study of painting mediums. Projects are designed to explore more complex painting concepts while allowing for creative freedom and personal interests. This course offers opportunities for students to develop their own painting style and to seek inspiration from historical and contemporary artists. Completion of this course is preparation for 2D Studio Art classes, and Portfolio Design.
2D Art 3
2D ART 3
Semester • Drawing 2 or Painting 2 Required
If you are interested in continuing your study of Drawing or Painting, but not at the Portfolio level, then this is the class for you! Building on drawing and painting skills, students create and destroy; work with layers; and utilize a variety of materials to express their individual vision. Projects range from abstract to representational, as developed from personal interests, social topics, and historical and contemporary art influence.
2D Art 4
2D ART 4
Semester • 2D Art 3 Required
2D Art 4 continues the advanced exploration of drawing and painting from 2D Art 3. This course focuses on utilizing several traditional art-making techniques to create more dynamic compositions. Students are encouraged to create original works of art that utilize a variety of materials to express their individual vision. Projects range from abstract to representational, as developed from personal interests, social topics, and historical and contemporary art influence.
3D Construction & Design I
3D CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
This course introduces students to design and building methods to develop an understanding of 3D form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design. This course introduces students to different techniques, such as woodworking, metal and jewelry smithing, industrial design, and more. Through lectures, assigned projects, and critiques, students develop the skills to create a design plan through technical drawing and models.
3D Construction & Design II
3D CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN 2
Semester • 3D Construction & Design 1 Required
This course builds on concepts and techniques introduced in 3D Construction and Design 1. Students continue to build on their woodworking, metal and jewelry, and industrial design skills and are introduced to computer-aided design software to assist in advancing their design skills.
Ceramics I
CERAMICS 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
Students in Ceramics 1 are introduced to basic processes of making both traditional and contemporary sculptural works in clay through hand-building methods. Students explore historical examples of ceramic vessels as well as modern, influential ceramic artists who are leaders and innovators in their craft. This course gives students all the foundational techniques needed to explore more advanced methods in Ceramics 2.
Ceramics II
Mixed Media Sculpture I
MIXED MEDIA SCULPTURE 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
This beginning course introduces students to a range of creative building and design methods in 3D Art, with no experience necessary. Students explore traditional and non-traditional materials as they make original works of art. Students learn how to design and build sculptural projects using the methods of planer construction, clay modeling, found object assemblage, and more. This course approaches the making of sculptures by using the same methods as working artists.
Mixed Media Sculpture II
MIXED MEDIA SCULPTURE 2
Semester • Mixed Media Sculpture 1 OR 3D Construction & Design 1 Required
Students builds upon skills learned in the first Mixed Media Sculpture and continue to explore new materials. This course introduces students to new building techniques such as the construction of large-scale installation art, mosaics, and figure sculpturing. Throughout the semester students study methods of sculpting embraced by contemporary sculptors while building their portfolio and design skills.
Architecture 1
ARCHITECTURE 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
Architectural design is a unique blend of art, science, and function. Students learn basic planning, design, and construction skills, through inspiration gathered from history, cultural expression, and environmental sustainability. Guest architects periodically enhance the classroom learning experience.
Architecture 2
ARCHITECTURE 2
Semester • Architecture 1 Required
After successfully learning the fundamentals of planning, design, and construction in Architecture 1, students dive further into understanding the more specific requirements of structural design. Using architectural history, current building requirements, and aesthetic design trends, students create 2D and 3D renderings of their own designs.
Digital Graphic Design I
DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGN 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
Students are introduced to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and learn the basic design principles, such as spacing, margins, and color. Students apply this knowledge to a variety of real-world design projects. Projects include a book cover, a city logo, and a magazine cover.
Graphic Design II
DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGN 2
Semester • Digital Graphic Design 1 or Intro to Digital Graphic Design Required
Students dive deeper into Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Projects include more real-world projects such as a movie poster, app redesign, personal logo, and real estate ad. Each of those projects push the knowledge of typography, color theory, and the use of spacing.
Honors Motion Graphics Animation 1
HONORS MOTION GRAPHICS ANIMATION 1
Semester • Digital Graphic Design 2 Required
Students take knowledge and ideas from Graphic Design 1 and 2 and learn how to bring them to life. Students learn Adobe After Effects with continued knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Assembly, motion, scaling, and organization will be the fundamentals taught. Projects include live wallpapers, transitions, Pac-Man animation, and a lyric video.
Honors Motion Graphics Animation 2
HONORS MOTION GRAPHICS ANIMATION 1
Semester • Motion Graphics Animation 1 Required
Building upon the previous course, students are pushed in various areas such as color, motion, and pacing. Students will be more proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, learning new animation design techniques that include motion easing, scale easing, and advanced masking. Projects include logo animation, story animation, a phone commercial, and a motion reel.
Videography 1
VIDEOGRAPHY 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12
Students learn the basics of video such as camera operation, camera angles, sound, editing, and basic storyboarding. Students are introduced to Adobe Premiere Rush and work their way to Adobe Premiere. Students apply their knowledge to real-world video projects such as a PSA, sound mixing, and a movie trailer.
Videography 2
VIDEOGRAPHY 2
Semester • Videography 1 Required
Students expand their knowledge of scriptwriting, storyboarding, and camera techniques and options using additional equipment such as lighting, green screen, and mics. Students gain proficiency in Adobe Premiere. Projects include recutting movie trailers, dynamic interviews, and movie shorts in different genres.
Social Media Marketing
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING |
Students are introduced to digital marketing philosophies and techniques preparing them for producing promotional materials across various social media platforms. Students examine the inner workings of the most prevalent networks, studying algorithms, analytics, advertising, organic marketing, viral marketing, data collection, and recent trends that impact the world of marketing. Students create written blogs, social media posts, photograph products, and produce video commercials for their personal or selected brand promotion to provide students with the tools necessary for social media content management. |
Photography 1
PHOTOGRAPHY 1
Semester • Open to Grades 10-12 Required
Photography 1 is a broad-based introductory course that inspires and educates students on the possibilities of photographic media. Students gain both historical insight and visual literacy while learning how to control the look of their photographs. Students gain familiarity with real-world industry techniques for digital asset management, post-production, and retouching through Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.
Photography 2
PHOTOGRAPHY 2
Semester • Photography 1 OR Intro to Photography OR Instructor Approval Required
This course is a continuation of Photography 1 and embraces both modern and traditional techniques employed in various genres of photography. Students experience the world of post-production where images are enhanced, altered, and manipulated for increased visual impact with the use of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. At the end of the semester, students have a working knowledge of each step of the photographic process from inception, to planning, to capturing an image, and post-production.
Honors Portfolio Design 1
HONORS PORTFOLIO DESIGN 1
Semester • Instructor Approval Required
This course is for students who have completed beginning and advanced levels of Visual Arts courses
in their chosen specialty and are seeking a more intensive focus on their individual artistic styles. At
the beginning of the semester, students will propose a theme of their own interest that will guide the creation of several works over the course of the semester. Under instructor guidance, students work to create a comprehensive collection of work suitable for college applications.
Honors Portfolio Design 2
HONORS PORTFOLIO DESIGN 2
Semester • Instructor Approval Required
This course is a continuation of Portfolio Design 1 and an opportunity to add more complex works to the comprehensive collection of work already begun. Students should expect to show the development of style and technique, and the evolution of thought, through the creation of each new work. Portfolio reviews provide students with additional opportunities to engage in conversation to share their knowledge of inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, and their understanding of art and design principles.
Performing Arts Curriculum
Performing Arts
Through classes in jazz, classical music, contemporary ballet, and theater, students learn to support one another, express themselves, and build confidence.
Courses Offered
- Acting
- Stagecraft
- Honors Musical Theater
- Digital Music 1: Introduction to Music Technology
- Digital Music 2: Intermediate Music Technology
- Digital Music 3: Studio/Recording
- Piano 1
- Piano 2
- Guitar
- Rock & Contemporary Music Ensemble
- Honors Choir
- Winds & Percussion Ensemble
- Strings Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Dance Foundations
- Intermediate Dance
- Honors Dance Repertory
Acting
ACTING
Year • No Prerequisites
This course will teach the fundamentals of concentration, imagination, and improvisation through games and exercises in scene work and characterization. Evaluation is based on daily exercises, homework, individual growth, and projects. The curriculum will be appropriate for students interested in acting on stage, for film/TV, or who simply want to improve their public presentation skills.
Stagecraft
STAGECRAFT
Year • No Prerequisites
This course will teach behind-the-scenes activities like set design and building, scenic painting, lighting, special effects, sound design, crafts, and costuming. This class is the technical crew behind all Oxbridge productions in a variety of ways. Some course requirements include physical work, use of power tools, and after-school hours for Oxbridge Performing Arts events.
Honors Musical Theater
HONORS MUSICAL THEATRE
Year • Audition & Instructor Approval Required
Honors Musical Theatre is a performance-based theatre class. The class performs in multiple shows and competitions throughout the year. Students focus on vocal and acting techniques and work with guest artists throughout the year. The class requires the ability to sing, act, move, and take direction well. It has significant after-school requirements for rehearsal and performance.
Digital Music 1: Introduction to Music Technology
DIGITAL MUSIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Semester • No Prerequisites
This course introduces the fundamentals of music technology, focusing on the creative use of digital tools in music production. Students will explore basic concepts of sound, recording techniques, MIDI sequencing, and digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Key topics include composing with loops, creating and editing tracks, and applying basic audio effects. Through hands-on collaborative projects and individual assignments students will develop foundational skills in arranging, recording, and producing music. This course encourages creativity while fostering an understanding of the relationship between technology and musical expression.
Digital Music 2: Intermediate Music Technology
DIGITAL MUSIC 2: INTERMEDIATE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Semester • Digital Music 1 or Instructor Approval Required
Building on the skills learned in Digital Music 1, this course delves into more advanced techniques
in music production and sound design. Students will explore automation, mixing, genre-specific production styles, and live performance using technology. Topics include creating custom sound samples, and scoring for multimedia. Collaborative projects and individual assignments will help students refine their skills and develop a unique creative voice. This course emphasizes critical listening, technical proficiency, and connecting musical works to cultural and personal contexts.
Digital Music 3: Studio/Recording
STUDIO/RECORDING (DIGITAL MUSIC 3)
Year • Digital Music 1 or Instructor Approval Required
Studio/Recording is an advanced-level course that prepares students for professional music production and recording environments. Students will gain expertise in advanced DAW workflows, multi-track recording, live sound engineering, and mastering techniques. Emphasis is placed on studio equipment, including microphones and audio interfaces. Projects will focus on producing polished, professional- quality recordings and soundtracks for multimedia applications such as film, games, and podcasts. This course also explores career opportunities in music technology, culminating in a capstone portfolio project showcasing students’ work.
Piano 1
PIANO 1 |
This is a piano course for students with little or no previous piano instruction. Areas covered will include fundamentals of posture and hand position, reading notes and rhythms, reading chord charts, understanding basic music theory, and introduction to composition and computer notation programs. The course will be adapted to challenge individual levels and rates of progress. |
Piano 2
PIANO 2
Semester • Piano 1 Required
This course builds upon the foundational skills developed in Piano 1 and is designed for students with previous piano instruction or equivalent experience. Students will refine their technique, deepen their understanding of music theory, and advance their note-reading and rhythm skills. Areas of focus include multi-octave scales, arpeggios, hands-together coordination, chord progressions, inversions, and improvisation. Students will also expand their repertoire to encompass a variety of musical styles, such as classical, jazz, and popular music, while developing intermediate composition skills using computer notation software. Emphasis will be placed on expressive playing, technical development, and critical listening through solo and ensemble work. Instruction will be tailored to individual levels and progress, ensuring all students are both supported and challenged in their musical journey.
Guitar
GUITAR
Semester • No Prerequisites
This course is designed to teach the basic skills and knowledge required to play the guitar, as well as teach basic music reading ability and music theory. Students will learn the basics of playing guitar at a beginner level through studying music notation, chord symbols, and peer modeling. Through this class, students will gain a better understanding of many different musical genres and public performance may be a course expectation.
Rock & Contemporary Music Ensemble
ROCK & CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Honors Available)
Year • No Prerequisites
This course is an opportunity to study contemporary, rock, and popular music genres through performance and rehearsal in an academic setting. Students will perform covers and originals spanning all styles and time periods. This ensemble will perform regularly at festivals, on and off campus, in class, and at other events. Students are expected to practice outside of class so that class time may be devoted to rehearsal.
Honors Choir
HONORS CHOIR |
Advanced vocal students study choral works with an emphasis on reading, diction, tone quality, interpretation, and aesthetics. Students learn and perform an advanced level of repertoire that spans the Renaissance through contemporary periods. Attention will be given to the languages and cultures associated with the particular choral literature. |
Winds & Percussion Ensemble
WINDS & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (Honors Available)
Year • No Prerequisites
This Chamber Ensemble/Concert Band course focuses on the performance of music literature for woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles of various stylistic periods. Instruction cultivates performance techniques, artistic interpretation, and overall musicality. Student ensembles will include, but not be limited to, student coaching, literature selection, composer research, accompaniment, arrangements, and performance production.
Strings Ensemble
STRINGS ENSEMBLE (Honors Available)
Year • No Prerequisites
The Strings Chamber Ensemble/Orchestra performs music from the string repertoire of the Baroque, Classic, and Romantic eras with an emphasis on the development of string technique and ensemble skill. Student solos and/or ensembles will include, but not be limited to, student coaching, literature selection, composer research, accompaniment, arrangements, and performance production.
Jazz Ensemble
JAZZ ENSEMBLE (Honors Available)
Year • Dept. Approval Required
This course is a performance group whose primary purpose is jazz music in small ensembles. Instruction will be provided in improvisation and ensemble performance techniques for various styles of jazz, from the Swing Era to contemporary styles.
Dance Foundations
DANCE FOUNDATIONS
Year • No Prerequisites
This course is an introduction to dance technique and choreography. It is perfect for students who have a good movement background but may also come from other art forms (theatre and music). Students will learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance styles. Throughout the year, students will learn choreography and have performance opportunities.
Intermediate Dance
INTERMEDIATE DANCE
Year • Dance Foundations or Instructor Approval Required
Take your dancing to the next level in this technique and choreography-driven dance class. Students will train in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz techniques. Throughout the year, students will have performance opportunities and learn choreography from professional guest artists.
Honors Dance Repertory
HONORS DANCE REPERTORY
Year • Audition and Instructor Approval Required
This class combines contemporary and classical dance techniques with guest artists in modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, and more. Students will explore composition, improvisation, and performance. The Repertory Dance Ensemble requires several performances throughout the year in the South Florida area and beyond.