STArt with Art

September 1, 2022

Section+of+the+new+mural+in+Sunshine+Hall%2C+designed+and+painted+by+alumnus+Sophia+Warrender%2C+Class+of+2022.

Section of the new mural in Sunshine Hall, designed and painted by alumnus Sophia Warrender, Class of 2022.

The student body at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School is bursting with talent, and there is a place for each individual to use their gifts. Some of the long-lasting impacts of previous students are seen through the artwork around the school. Check out what art teacher Mrs. Kane has to say about the many opportunities for young artists that Aquinas offers!

One of the most common ways for students to engage their creative side is through art classes. Two art credits are required to graduate, and one way to fulfill that quota is by taking an art class. Everyone must take the entry level art class called Foundations of Art, and in this class, students get a taste of many different art forms. From there, students can choose from Painting, Drawing, or Ceramics, which all hone in on one’s skills for that specific art form. Mrs. Kane’s favorite class to teach is Senior Art, which is the final art class Aquinas offers only to the senior class, with no prerequisites necessary. Students are, of course, allowed to continue taking art classes with their extra electives, but even if one’s schedule simply cannot make it work, there are more options beyond the 8-3 school day.

Senior Amelia Hamm smiles with her pinch pot fresh out of the kiln.

Aquinas has a club for anything, so become a member of Art Club today! Art Club hosts many fun, stress-free projects to explore one’s creativity. Some of their previous events include a tie-dye t-shirt day, painting decorations for the musical, and creating ceramic ornaments for the STA Christmas market. The club allows students to continue growing in their passion and skill for their art through a positive culture of creativity, so take a leap and try something new! Unlike the structured classes, Art Club is free of the pressure to get good grades and have one’s piece turn out like one imagined. This student-led organization is a space to simply try and create something, no matter how great one’s artistic ability. Talk to Mrs. Kane or a current member of the club to get added to the GroupMe.

Outside of the art club, there are opportunities to make a profit off one’s artwork! The aforementioned STA Christmas market is where members of the art club create and glaze ceramic ornaments to be sold. The profits would go towards a potential field trip to the Nelson or would be poured back into the arts at Aquinas in a fun way. How one can personally win money through art is by entering the archdiocese competition. Saint Thomas Aquinas is proud to have past representatives be awarded high rankings, with the 1st place prize being $100! Art Club meets together to work on pieces, each meant to tie to a theme of the year that the archdiocese announces. There are other competitions throughout the year outside of the school, so talk to Mrs. Kane for more information.

Go get involved Saints! Tap into that right side brain for a change and create something that no one else could ever make. Pick up the pencil, pen, or paintbrush and try something new! Famous French artist Henri Matisse said,  “creativity takes courage”, so go be brave.

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