The New Faces of the Art Department
By McKenna Mercurio-Morse ‘24
“When you see a great teacher, you are seeing a work of art”
This September, Greens Farms Academy welcomed four new faculty members to the Upper School Art Department. These new faculty members come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and bring expertise with different mediums, as well as a wealth of experience and knowledge to our students and our community.
Denis Dalesio has joined the visual arts department with a focus on studio art. Dalesio recently earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the New York Academy of Art. Prior to working at GFA, Dalesio taught online art courses at Pushing Colored Dirt, a visual arts school in New York City.
In conversation with Dalesio, he claimed that he began teaching art, “[to] open the doors that were not opened for him.” In high school, Dalesio felt as though some of his teachers, “lacked care,” which prompted him to become an art teacher who makes his students feel cared for every day.
For Dalesio, the best part of his day is “the time with the students.” He continues, “ teaching the freshman classes and the advanced classes really gives me an overview of the best of GFA.” We are thrilled to have Mr. Dalesio as a member of our Upper School Art team and look forward to his wonderful way of fostering students’ creative visions.
This year GFA is pleased to welcome back Anthony Valles, who will be familiar to many, having taught in the Art Department during the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, in his time here, Valles coached wrestling alongside GFA head coach Jack Conroy. After his time at GFA, Valles taught art in Finland, a place he called an “Introvert’s Heaven.”
When asked what the best part of his day at GFA is, Valles answered, “The kids, they are the best part of my day, seeing them in class and at practice.” Everyday, Valles strives to help students believe in themselves and feel, “as though they don’t have to be something special to enjoy and create art.” He continues, “anyone can draw and design art.” During the interview, he described GFA students as entertaining, and they help, “to keep me young.” The GFA community is happy to welcome him back as a full time faculty member in visual arts.
In addition to Dalesio and Valles, Alfonsina Betancourt also joined the GFA Upper School Visual Arts department as part-time faculty. Betancourt is a respected artist who has exhibited her work throughout Connecticut, New York, and abroad. She has taught art locally in a variety of settings, working with various age groups from children to adults. GFA is beyond excited to welcome her to our community.
Last but not least, Michele Sommer will be joining us as a part time faculty member to teach both French and Art. As a working artist, she brings a great deal of experience teaching both subjects. Working with students from Pre-K up through Upper School, she does it all. We are thrilled to welcome her to both the Art and French departments. This year the GFA art department is in good hands to have a successful, expansive year!
