Art Electives are very popular for the students at VHS. The art electives offered are Jewelry, Ceramics, Art and Design, AP Art, Photography, Yearbook, Graphic Design and Woodworking.
“It is strongly encouraged for students to take an art class because they help with creativity and self expression. Based on the number of students who requested courses and the number of sections offered, Jewelry and Ceramics are the most requested art courses. This includes students who take the class more than once as advanced jewelry or advanced ceramics,” School counselor Jeffrey Jones said.
“I strive to make art class a comfortable and welcoming place for all different levels of artists, whether students already have a regular artistic practice or have never taken an art class before. I hope they will all find art an achievable and successful class,” art teacher Mrs. McCausland said.
Senior Grace Abner takes three art classes: Art and Design, Ceramics and Yearbook.
“I have been taking these classes for three months now and my favorite part is the creative freedom for projects,” Abner said.
Grace is currently working on a jewelry dish in Ceramics, a Tim Burton inspired self portrait for Art and Design, and for Yearbook she is assigned to the fashion page.
“The class could improve if there was more funding for supplies,” said Abner.
Grace is often admired around the school for her unique and creative style. Many of the supplies are very old and worn out. Students have to be very sparing with the supplies to make sure there is enough for everyone.
“My biggest style inspiration is Misa Amanae, I look up to her a lot because we have very similar styles and I adore her character. I admire her special and different style that helps her stand out,” Abner said.
Senior Katie Deloch takes AP art. She has been in the class for three months now.
“My favorite part is the relaxed atmosphere and talking to classmates about each other's projects,” Deloch said.
They do lots of different projects in AP art, but right now they are working on drawings.
¨My favorite drawing I have ever made is a drawing of me and my girlfriend for the school art showcase,” Deloch said.
Students at VHS enjoy art classes because they can learn new skills and have a creative atmosphere to take a break from academic classes. Mrs. Dunagan is the Jewelry teacher and many students love her fun but well structured class.
Macy Nicolino and Chloe Gonter have been taking Jewelry for a year now. Macy is currently working on a Bezel set stone.
“I really like making my Bezel set stone, I'm going to give it to my mom for Christmas,” said Nicolino.
Chloe is working on a pendant.
“My Jewelry class helps me expand my learning from just academics. Before taking Jewelry I didn't like art because I thought I wasn't good at it, but after paying close attention and help from the teacher I learned to love it,” Gonter said.
Although students enjoy the art classes, they often agree that the classes would be better if there were less people in the class for more one-on-one time with the teacher.
The art electives help students express themselves and find interests they might not have known they had. It also provides opportunities for the students to have fun at school while still learning.