Written on the behalf of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Editorial Board by JENNY ALPAUGH – Print Managing Editor
Art is important; that is undeniable. But whether or not art is being fully appreciated by Clarke Central High School students is debatable.
Numerous Clarke Central High School students spend multiple hours creating original pieces of art. They deserve at least a few minutes of appreciation. Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle.
When was the last time you paused to gaze at the art that fills the main hallway?
Not just glancing or stopping only for a second when you recognize a friend’s name, but when have you really looked at and admired the art?
Each piece of art required time and effort from its respective artist. The creative process that must occur in order for an appealing piece of art to be created is far from simple.
We have numerous highly-talented artists within our school. Their pieces are displayed both in the hallway and outside the Miller Jordan cafeteria. According to CCHS fine art department teacher Jeff Barnett, the display case outside the cafeteria can be considered a “winner’s circle.”
The best of the best is displayed in this case, put here for other students to enjoy. We walk by this case each day on our way to the cafeteria.
“I just hope that (students) take the time to acknowledge the hard work that goes into the pictures on display. Because often times, with any of the fine arts, you see the end result, but you don’t see the work behind it,” Barnett said.
The art displayed often takes weeks to create. In our fast-paced world, these artists are among the dwindling few who have the necessary patience to craft pieces that require hours and hours of careful and focused work.
“Technology is getting faster and faster, and students’ attention spans and patience are getting smaller and smaller,” Barnett said. “They have programs now where you can mimic a painter’s style. It’s innovative, but there’s no substitution for the process of creating art, coming up with the idea, mixing your own colors.”
The benefits of creating art and viewing it, whether it’s visual art, music or drama are innumerable. For artists, musicians and actors there is a sense of accomplishment when their diligent work is acknowledged and respected by a peer or teacher.
Art is also a wonderful medium for expression. Any kind of emotion can be put into a piece of art or a piece of music. Both positive and negative emotions can be channeled into something constructive through art.
“(Art) is one of the best means of expression,” Barnett said. “For some it’s relaxing. It’s also a familiar phrase that ‘there are no rules in art.’ There are no formulas or equations.”
Unfortunately, too few CCHS students take advantage of this expression, or take the time to simply enjoy the creations of others.
If we fail to take the necessary time to appreciate art, its full potential to positively affect CCHS students cannot be reached.
