by Edmund Geschickter
Students used to be able to create art only in visual arts electives geared toward a certain medium for the entire semester. This is no longer the case, as the Art Club creates an environment where students can make art of their choosing without the burden of half-year commitments or grades.
The Art Club, which meets in Room UA 21 every X-block, was created by sophomore Jessica Newman this year after she realized that there was no place at school where students could do art outside of a visual arts class.
“Last year, I was asked by Ms. Brennan if I would do it, because last year they didn’t have one,” Newman said.
Sophomore Claire Lunetta said that the Art Club offers a creative outlet that differs from the visual arts classes that most students at the high school choose to take.
“They are taking a class on visual arts, and the club is less structured and less mandatory,” Lunetta said. “You’re not even required really to come every week, so I think it is valuable.”
The freedom of expression in an environment where grades do not come into play is very enjoyable, according to several club members. Lunetta said that the club sets itself apart from other clubs because of the creative nature of the work they do every Thursday.
“A lot of clubs have work you have to do,” Lunetta said. “We also have work, but it’s more fun; it’s more aside from school, and it’s more creative.”
Senior Maya Reich, who takes Advanced Placement Studio Art, said that although her class helps her more with her skills as an artist, the club offers a nice change in setting where she can freely work on what she wants to do.
“My art class is more intense since it’s an AP class, and there is a lot of pressure to do well on assignments,” Reich said. “But here it’s very relaxed, and people do what they want to do, and we just have a fun time.
The club hopes to expand in the future and add more members to the 15 or so who show up weekly, according to Newman. Lunetta said that although they are in the process of raising funds to do bigger projects, they still want to remain an environment that promotes freedom through art.
“It’s a really nice way to get people to be creative, and it’s kind of a break from school,” Lunetta said. “That’s what clubs are about, and it’s kind of fun to just be creative for once.”
Like most clubs, the Art Club is a way to build close relationships with people who have similar interests, according to Lunetta.
“When Jessica first asked me to help her with the club, we weren’t good friends, but I feel like now we are a lot closer because of the club,” she said.
Members of the Art Club have created goals for their expansion for this year and beyond.
“I see us growing in terms of numbers, doing more fun activities and improving on what we’ve already been doing,” Reich said. “As a new club, we’re not perfect, so the main idea is to improve ways for people to become more interested in it.”
Edmund Geshickter can be contacted at [email protected].
