Margrit Mondavi 640X426
Around the Bend

one for Margrit . . .

04/18/16

Oxbow Friends - Thank you to so many of you who showed up in support of both Oxbow and Margrit Mondavi, one of Oxbow's founders on April 16th at the Robert Mondavi Winery - it was a spectacular evening in every way; the weather couldn't have been nicer or the setting more beautiful. The event was sold out with many family members and long-time friends of Margrit, and a sizable group of devoted friends of Oxbow; and best of all, thanks to Margrit's generosity and foresight for collecting many works by visiting artists to the winery over a 40 year period-all of which were auctioned off that evening-Oxbow was the recipient of the proceeds from the event. Truly a win-win for all involved!

As you may have heard by now, two very generous Oxbow trustees have recently offered to underwrite the alumni event scheduled for next Tuesday, April 26th at The NWBLK gallery in San Francisco at 1999 Bryant Street from 6:30-9:00pm. We hope to see many of your smiling faces for what is sure to be a splendid gathering of Oxbow fans. Esteemed alumnae Daisy Linden OS10 and Jordan Felling OS5, are planning a spirited evening based on one of the most popular Oxbow School activities, The Fortune Cookie Project!

Last week, alumna Caroline Woolard OS4 spoke to students and other members of the Oxbow community at the CIA theater nearby about her practice, development and execution of ideas. Students in particular were entranced by her focus and commitment, and asked a barrage of questions as they grapple with their own pending Final Project.

On campus as I type, OS34 students are well underway with research for their projects;the ideas being discussed are truly inspiring and reflect the artistic and intellectual spirit of this particular cohort. The Final Show and Open House for the students of OS34 will be held on campus May 14 and 15 from 1-3pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Please join me in welcoming Oxbow's newest staff member, Mary Bourke, who has taken on the role of Director of Development. Mary is enjoying getting to know the School, so please do introduce yourself when you see her on campus or at Oxbow events.

Finally, please save June 11th for our Annual Picnic Benefit. Bring your family and/or friends as we celebrate yet another extraordinary year at Oxbow. More details to follow.

Stephen Thomas

Founding Director and Head of School

It's been a whirlwind week, but also a time when I sang the praises of Oxbow to my colleagues. I've been thinking much about how Oxbow is an exemplar of true education. That art centers the curriculum is hardly surprising, and for those of us who work within the traditional educational mold Oxbow offers a gold standard of focused project based learning. Beyond the school's approach to immersive experience are the intangibles which make Oxbow different. The sense of community and of working together, even as each student retained their strong individual presence is palpable. The feeling of warmth and trust between the adults and the nearly adults in the Oxbow community could be felt throughout the campus. The openness of the architecture and interconnectedness of the three studios in themselves speak of the Oxbow philosophy and identity. More than form follows function, the physical attributes of Oxbow have a distinct warmth and invite exploration.

I'm sure that the ongoing challenges of leading and reinventing your school might sometimes keep you from having the time to see Oxbow with the fresh eyes of a visitor, but your steady presence and vision are really visible in every detail. Thank you for inviting me to one of the most profound experiences in my career.

— Ken Rush, Visual Arts Department, Packer Collegiate Institute

Advice I would give to future students is to just do it and come to Oxbow and not overthink it because it will most likely (99.9%) be the best decision you have made in your life.

— Malachi Snyder, Spring 2018

Oxbow was, without a doubt, the best part of my high school experience. A year after leaving, and I still feel as though it were yesterday that I was sitting on the lawn, eating in the dining hall, and laughing with my friends in the studios.

— Julia Weir, Fall 2015

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