The clay would not line up. No matter how many times senior Caitlyn Davis pressed the slabs together, Davis started
over, spending one whole class period fixing the same section of pottery. That diligently reconstructed piece, now a lamp, became part of the Art Department’s Annual Art Show, an inclusive showcase of art, Davis said.
The Annual Art Show, organized by the Fine Arts Department more than 20 years ago, features work from nearly every first-semester art student, transforming the Lyceum into a gallery from Feb. 17 to Feb 20., Amie Elliott, Visual and Fine Arts Teacher said. The fair incorporates work from all levels of painting, drawing, photography, print making, sculpture, and ceramics classes, Elliott said.
“It’s an opportunity for students to see their work posted and for students who aren’t in art classes to see the variety of work that can be done and how impressive it is,” Elliott said.
The process of creative art is part of what makes the show meaningful, senior Jori Singer said.
“For us artists, it’s important for people to express their individuality and their creativity,” Singer said. “And to tell stories about ourselves or made up stories that tell people who they are or emotions they’re going through and for people around them to experience those different perspectives.”
Elliott finds the freedom given to students in art classes very beneficial in school day structured around right answers and fixed outcomes.
“It’s one of the only places in school where you have almost total creativity,” Elliott said.
Singer encourages new students to take art classes and participate in the Art Show. The fair is a place for community, not competition, she added.
“I think of it as something that shows unity,” Singer said. “No matter if you’re good or bad at making art, just being a
part of it with other people is nice.”
Davis believes the Art Show is beneficial for showing off student art and making sure their art is seen, especially in a school that is often defined by athletics and academics.
“Just go see it,” Davis said. “Get inspired to do your own art, to look at other people’s art, and appreciate the work of your fellow students. We all have things that we’ve worked hard on, are proud of, and
they deserve recognition.”