Poly Prep Arts

A wonderful LS Open House view into the choice-based visual arts studio taught by Heidi Zarou and Patti Smith! All year student engage in self-directed, meaningful art making and are given the freedom to choose from a variety of stations. On a typical day station options might include: drawing, painting, fiber art, ceramics, paper sculpture, printmaking, cardboard, construction
For open house there were two participatory stations: community painted rocks and Rolodex museum

Poly ARTS Senior Spotlight: Angelique Lopez
A Poly student since grade nine, and a member of the Excellence in the Arts program for two years, Angelique completed a multidisciplinary arts pathway experience with an emphasis in dance and photography. She took dance all four years, three of those in Advanced Dance, as well as courses in American Art History with the Brooklyn Museum, Digital Photography, and Advanced Photography Portfolio. Angelique was a member of the Dance Team for four years and co-captain for the past two years. Angelique was a co-recipient of this year’s Dance Award, recognized for her artistic growth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the dance community. Her movement reveals emotional depth and thoughtful intention, reflecting an artist who draws from lived experience to shape work that is both grounded and expressive. Angelique leads with quiet strength—fostering connection, supporting her peers, and elevating the collective experience of the ensemble. Angelique shared with us, “I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown, both as a dancer and as a person. I’ve become more confident, taken more risks, and started to trust my own voice instead of just trying to do things ‘right.’ I’m also proud of my discipline and pushing through challenges. Most of all, I’ve stayed true to myself.”
We asked Angelique: What artwork/course was the most challenging/helped you grow the most as an artist? “Afternoon of Student Choreography has been the most challenging and helped me grow the most because it taught me how to teach others and work as a team.”
What three words best describe you as an artist/performer? Ambitious, versatile, narrator
Where will you be attending college? Drexel University
What will you take away from your experiences in the Arts at Poly? “I’ll take away a stronger sense of confidence in myself and my voice as an artist. I’ve learned the importance of discipline, hard work, and taking risks. Most importantly, I’ve learned to stay true to who I am and express that through my art.”
Additional photos from Angeliqie’s photography portfolio and dance performances