Now Varriale’s seventh and eighth grade students, who have a dedicated art day with him at his ranch each Friday, are set to showcase their latest work – sculptures, paintings and frescoes – at the Makery on Sunnyside Ave. as part of the Mill Valley Arts Commission’s First Tuesday Artwalk on April 3.
Varriale, who moved to the Bay Area from his hometown outside Milan, Italy in 1984 and arrived in Mill Valley in 1996, has taught seventh grade students the renaissance technique, plaster of Paris, and helped them create individual abstract contemporary gesso a scagliola sculptures.
Eighth grade students learned the lost art painting technique known as frescoes, working with lime based plaster and natural pigments to create work inspired by Mark Rothko. They also the practice of removing their frescoes from their wall and transferring the art onto a canvas, allowing the frescoes to be preserved and framed.
“The combination of the students contemporary paintings and ancient technique produced a group of vibrant and unique art pieces,” says Greenwood teacher Nancie Bailey. “After busy weeks of algebra, chemistry, independent projects and other academic pursuits, middle schoolers look forward to their much needed art day in nature. Working with their hands and the freedom to create has given each student the opportunity for personal and artistic growth.”
The 411: Greenwood School seventh and eighth grade students showcase their latest work – sculptures, paintings and frescoes – at the Makery at 2 El Paseo Lane off Sunnyside Ave., as part of the Mill Valley Arts Commission’s First Tuesday Artwalk on April 3, with a reception from 5:30-7:30pm. Free.