Evolution | Page 2

News PAGE 2 Annual VA Winter Boutique Winter 2016 Young Arts Winners Sarah Chen Staff Writer Tyler Wu’s (VA ‘18) stickers, just one of the amazing works sold at Winter Boutique. Photo by: Tyler Wu Becky Lee Staff Writer Not only does the beginning of December mean it’s socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music, but it also means the annual OCSA Winter Marketplace is just around the corner. The Winter Marketplace is an annual OCSA event that starts around the beginning of December that gives proceeds to the Visual Arts conservatory and the student vendors at the event; It’s a winwin situation. This year, the Winter Marketplace took place over the span of two days, on Dec. 2nd and 3rd, with 42 students and four OCSA alumni vendors who raised 20% more funds than last year. The Winter Marketplace is a perfect outlet for students who want a head start in pursuing buisiness. OCSA’s young entrepreneurs sold products that expressed their creativity and what they truly love making such as original art and prints, jewelry, and even bath and body products. Despite the many talented vendors this year, Tyler Wu (VA’18) and Kaitlyn Chu (VA’17) stood out among the crowd. Chu, whose been a seller for three years, sold handmade cases with unique designs on it that perfectly describe what “happiness” looks like. “I loved making them,” said Chu, “and I do plan on doing the next Winter Boutique!” It all started when she drew on her clear phone case in ninth grade and was flooded with compliments and requests for her to draw similar designs on other peoples’ cases. She decided to make her hobby into a lifestyle and manufacturing business, so she took the chance when Winter Marketplace wanted creative vendors. From then on, her designs kept improving and business kept on growing. On the other hand of the spectrum, Wu sells caricatures of famous people and political figures. His best selling one was Donald Trump. “A lot of people liked the Donald Trump one, and I’ll continue to draw and make my caricatures next year,” Wu said. Music Leadership Change Cont’d from pg. 1 “They got us a lot of cool instruments like new keyboards, new basses, [and] new guitars,” said the student. Despite this, they agreed with the administrative decision for their departure. This is the most recent change of leadership for the program. Former co-heads John Kubis and Dana Decker left two years ago. Teren Shaffer, dean of arts conservatories, emphazised that “throughout this time, the students remain our top priority and we are committed to a smooth transition — maintaining the integrity of our instructional program. Everyone is collaborating in the spirit of high-quality arts instruction for our students.” Wallace stated “Over the last two years, they built innovative curriculum, they upgraded equipment and facilities, and they generally worked very hard to improve the Commercial Music program overall. We wish them the best of luck.” His caricatures bring a comical and light-hearted aspect to his drawings. Wu wanted to sell his drawings because he believed it was an easy task for him to earn money for what he loves to do. Isn’t that the life? Chu, Wu, and the rest of the vendors smile as they advertise and sell their products, but it wasn’t like that the weeks and months before. To say that they were sleep-deprived would be an understatement. “After homework, I stayed up all night to paint my cases and think of more designs [for the customers],” Chu admits. Wu also agrees to that, saying, “I pulled all-nighters sometimes, but it was okay”. But at the end of the day, the hard work paid off; every vendor was happy to sell what they’ve created. The joy that the sellers felt would overcome the hardships that they’ve felt before. Another successful year at the OCSA Winter Marketplace went by, and the best is yet to come. Sophomore Daniel Zolghadri (ACT) is a 2016 finalist for the National YoungArts Foundation, along with 12 other honorable mentions and merit winners from OCSA. This is an impressive honor for Zolghadri, considering finalists are typically juniors and seniors. Founded in 1981, YoungArts is a national organization designed to “support the next generation of artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts.” About winning the prestigous award, Zolghadri said, “It’s a great feeling, but I still have a lot of work to do. I know I can work harder. There is always stuff to learn continuously [such as] going to acting class. It never stops.” Zolghadri has had guest appearances in many TV shows such as “NCIS” and “Scorpion.” He said his acting inspiration stems from a certain actor: “I watch Philip Seymour Hoffman all the time. His performance in “Capote” or just in any movie or small role is very versatile and amazing. I guess he is my idol.” Zolghadri will participate in an all expense-paid trip to Miami for National YoungArts Week. Honorable metions will attend the regional week-long program in LA. OCSA wishes congratulations to all of this year’s YoungArts winners. OCSizzle Cont’d from pg.1 Everywhere you turn, there is a completely different talent going on. You go down the hall. I hear tapping happening. You turn the corner, and it’s a science lab. What has impressed me the most is that you guys have these grueling days, and somehow stay focused in all of it.” The OCSA documentary is still in its preliminary stages and there is currently no timetable for its release, but the filmmakers had honed down their interviews by week’s end. When asked about its purpose Genovese explained, “People always ask what our mission statement is when we do a documentary. But honestly what it comes down to is just showing human stories.” Genovese continued, “For you guys, It