Sculpture class propositioned to be school year elective
May 13, 2016
The GBS Art Department offers several classes to students, ranging from the two-dimensional world of painting and drawing to the three-dimensional pendants and rings of jewelry. According to Art Teacher Natalie Ingaunis, the Art Department has been attempting to introduce a new class based on sculpture for the past five years.
“Sculpture had been offered at Glenbrook North for many, many years. I had been teaching it in summer school and I suggested we offer the curriculum here,” Ingaunis said. “We got it on [record as a class] the following year, but it has never made a go of it. I guess advertising hasn’t been done well enough to get enough student interest generated.”
Sophomore Arianna Rojas, who hopes to be able to take the class in the coming year, said Ingaunis encouraged her to spread the word of a possible sculpture class to help raise awareness. Rojas also said a reason for the lack of interest may be due to people not understanding what a sculpture class would cover.
“If [South students] knew what you did in the sculpture class, I definitely think they would want to join,” Rojas said. “Because I know my sister, who is going to be an incoming freshman, would take it and some of her friends said it sounded interesting.”
According to Rojas, the variety of objects that can be used in sculpture intrigues her, as there isn’t one set material. According to Ingaunis, in her ideal version of the class, she would like to use more abstract objects such as wood, glass, stone, other types of clay, or even bottle caps.“You never know there are so many different materials you can use as a resource to create sculpture,” Ingaunis said.
According to Ingaunis, sculpture can also attract different types of students who view art, or learning in general, differently.
“It’s a great type of a class for people who are spatial, hands-on learners,” Ingaunis said. “Sometimes sculpting and creating artwork in a three-dimensional way […] is a lot different from two dimensional and being able to try to understand what a form looks like on paper. It’s not difficult, [it’s] sometimes messy, which can be fun as well. I’m not sure what’s keeping people away, other than the unknown.”
Ingaunis said she hopes the class will gain more student interest and be able to be offered during the school year, as it is only an option over the summer right now.
“I really want to try to get more students to come and take these classes,” Ingaunis said. “ They’re hands-on, they’re fun. It’s generally a release in the day of anxiety and stress from your academic classes. It’s a good atmosphere and it’s relaxed. I’m hoping that some people will find interest in pursuing that and giving it a try.”
