Art is an opportunity for one to express emotions and tell a deep story. Art is everywhere; different activities by students at broad run includes sculptures, theater, voice and dance performances, writing and many more are all considered a part of art. But one type of art that’s seen much at school are visual representations that use colors or different mediums.
Mixed media art is mostly known as a blank piece made colorful. It’s full of different designs, patterns and all sorts of creativity. But art isn’t just about the mediums used. It varies through the perspectives of different artists; art isn’t just a color slapped on a piece of canvas, it has a story, an emotion, and a meaning. It’s expressed through so many ways, and each piece can be interpreted by viewers differently with how uniquely it’s presented. It’s truly amazing to see how great talent can change a blank canvas into something lively. But here’s a question, why exactly do people do art? What’s its purpose around school? Why does it give such an impact?
Freshman, Kamala Gray, expresses her perspective. She says, “Art is what makes us different from other animals. It’s like, as humans we have such creativity and I think every school needs to have a good art community.” Art shows others the creative spirit we have and it’s a way to express what we think to the community we interact with. Throughout the halls of Broad Run, each section of murals has a colorful output that’s presented and showcased.
It’s nice knowing every art piece has seen its own story. Created by the hard work and efforts of students who were able to make the art piece successful.The murals are used for different purposes, it can be used to update students on the upcoming events such as the chalk mural by the senior hallway, or to present the strengths of each grade for their homecoming spirit. But art isn’t only seen in the hallways but also in classrooms. Some teachers use art to make small changes to their rooms that can help brighten up the place
With Broad Run being expressive through art, I decided to interview Mrs. Knight, who’s an art teacher and has been teaching art here for 15 years. Eager to spread her purpose about pursuing art, she shares, “When I do art it’s more about the experience of creating… I use it to hopefully make people feel better, to celebrate and sometimes to inform.” Mrs. Knight joined by Ms. Storch are the two art teachers around Broad Run. They work to integrate their passion throughout students who want to foster their creativity. With students around the campus interested in learning, or simply starting up their hobby of creating art works, the opportunities to discover, learn, and create around the school are very open.
National Art Honors Society, is a space where students at Broad Run can come together with their similar interests and make a meaningful impact through art. It’s a safe space where you can express your ideas and show off your art with the support of other people. “NAHS allows students to not only create for different causes, but to also share the experience of creating with people who may not feel like they are artists,” says Mrs. Knight. NAHS often hosts interactive projects around the school throughout the year which is a nice way to join school events while helping spread the appreciation of art. Some activities they’ve done are during football games, like a face painting booth, which is a fun way to help strengthen school spirit through art.
Art has had, and continues to have a big impact on this school, it shows us our spirit, our combined personalities, and how unique we are as a group. Each student has the creative freedom to showcase any art piece. Art is art, as long as you put in effort and it shows off your ideas, you’ve most likely made a great piece. There are many events and opportunities at school to express your creativity and it’s where you can take new risks and make new experiences. If you’re interested, scared, challenged or passionate about art, this school is the perfect place for you to express it.
