The visual arts department may seem as though they are overshadowed by the performing arts pathways. Unlike dance, theater, choir, band and all the other performing art forms, visual artists’ work does not require a performance to showcase their work. In fact, many visual artists recoil from the stage, explained visual art department chair Megan Clayton.

“The majority of our artists don’t want to be paraded out on stage and say ‘this is what we do’ kind of thing.” Clayton says.

The performance of a visual artist is hanging their work up on wall, stepping back, and listening to everyone’s feedback. Clayton states, “our students love displaying their work in the lobby and love getting the feedback; that’s the most recognition that they need.”

Unlike professional artists – who have more options for displaying their artwork – there is not a gallery to place artwork here. Walking into the lobby, artwork from many grade levels is displayed. The lobby is a shared place with high traffic. Artist are enabled to safely display work and hopefully, in the future, obtain a system where comments from students and visitors are given.

“We are finding ways to meet that need for recognition but not the, ‘over the top,’ recognition.” Clayton said.

One example Clayton mentioned is a comment box.

“The reason we’re not potentially well known is because we’re compared to performing arts, and we will never be like performing arts,” Clayton says. “Half of the cool stuff that we do is in the process.”

When a person thinks of the performing arts, they think of lights, shows and a big stage. A visual artist’s performance is the actual process of creating their work.

“You get to see, as a viewer in the gallery, the final product but you don’t get to see how the artist actually made it,” Clayton says.

Clayton wishes to start posting more pictures, via social media, so the audience can see the students’ process of creating their artwork.

Running a visual arts program requires a lot of money and resources. Many people feel that there is a lack of resources for the visual arts department, including photography teacher Jess Dewes.

“I don’t know any arts programs in public schools that do feel like they have all the resources that they need,” Dewes said. “We supplemented all of our supply budget ourselves.”

Giving light that the photography class is new and supplies such as cameras and batteries were needed for the program.

“I think we are all working hard to connect with local partners in the community,” Dewes adds, “I think we are also working very hard getting our events posted publicly on the school website.”

Thursday, April 23rd the ”The Big Big Annual Art Show” was held both in GCAA and the Sun Theatre.

April 30, 2015

Wording in the headline and lead were clarified to eliminate a perceived bias.