The Gauntlet

By Lei Tee

As the year starts to draw to a close, the fruits of every student’s labor start to appear in various forms, whether that be exams, concerts, plays, and finally- exhibitions. Starting on May 15 to May 26th, the high school art exhibit will showcase the student’s work, from the foundation art class to the AP classes. Unlike a band or choir concert, the art exhibit lingers around longer, the pieces slowly being mounted and revealed until the big announcement on the 18th. Every year, Mrs. Nichols -the head of the high school art department- organizes the event, which consists of hundreds of pieces. Here are just a few of her thoughts on the event:

Q: What’s it like to plan and organize the entire high school art exhibit? 

Mrs. Nichols: “It is a combination of different departments working together, teamwork is key. I can't do it by myself.”

Q: What are you most excited about this year for the fine arts festival?

Mrs. Nichols: “The caricatures.”

This year, there is a commotion surrounding some of the AP students, as well as some students from the master studio class. Caricatures were drawn on the visual arts festival announcement- the first time as long as anyone can remember. Following in the footsteps of the experienced Steven Shen, Jeta Anderson, Joshua Morrison, and Lei Tee took on the gauntlet and participated in a live drawing session on the 18th. Experienced artists like Steven Shen drew full-on caricatures, while others attempted the difficult task of capturing a likeness for the first time- as accurately as possible. While artists like Steven have already done this multiple times, the others eagerly ask Steven for advice, which he enthusiastically dishes out.

“Every artist started out as an amateur, don’t be discouraged.” Steven begins, his apple pencil pointed in the air, an extension of his index finger. “Even someone as great as I have experienced defeat and setbacks, but I have persisted through hardship and challenges and came out the other end a greater artist. Yeah!” He pumps his fist into the air. The other artists listen in awe, hoping to glean from the seemingly endless confidence and skill that he exhibits.

“I think it (live caricature drawing) is a great way for young artists to bridge out into the larger artist community, and a humbling practicing experience for them to practice simulating real-life artistry.” (Steven Shen, 12) 

Humbling is an accurate word, as portrait drawing involves a large variety of drawing skills, such as proportion, linework, and shading. As the portrait artists polish up their skills, they and all the other students help set up the gallery. As they hung up and admire their art pieces, each piece brought back memories and the nostalgia of sitting down and drawing it, the conversations they had while drawing it, and the process that they went through to complete each piece. Seeing all the art in one place is a truly rewarding experience. With each year comes talent, hard work, and personal growth, and this year, the opportunity for artists to test out their skills.