Senior artists put finishing touches on canvas of experience
After four long years of intense education and a quest for self-identity, the class of 2023 is finally reaching the finish line. This experience has changed each and every student and has given them the opportunities they needed to find themselves and discover what they love most. For many, this happened through art and the people they met at the messy wooden tables in the B-Wing.
This family of senior artists closed out their time through the annual Spring Art Show on May 9 in the Alberta Kimball Auditorium hallways. This annual show featured a variety of student work, including pieces from the drawing and painting classes, Senior Art, and each 3D art class such as Clay and Ceramics, and Glass and Creative Forms. A special addition, however, was the senior art boards that showcased the artists’ best and favorite pieces.
“I think my favorite piece is probably the Mother Mary piece I did, because it’s right after Jesus was put on the cross and she’s crying,” senior Samantha Baeten said. “It's a colored pencil on wood drawing and I just really like the lighting I created in the piece. I also used metallic nail polish to create her tears so they sparkled.”
This was one of the many pieces that decorated Baeten’s personalized board, along with other works that displayed her skills and context.
“Usually, most of my inspiration comes from either nature or people with a lot of emotion depicted in their faces or in their actions,” she said.
As a senior, Baeten has spent most of her life practicing different mediums and exposing herself to new artistic opportunities to prepare for life after graduation as a graphic designer.
“I started taking art classes all the way back in elementary school, but there was also this church program that I would go to and practice art as well,” she said. “So, I’ve been doing art for a long time now. In high school, I mainly took Drawing and Painting classes, but this past semester I took Clay and Ceramics. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I actually really enjoyed it.”
Through these experiences, Baeten has learned more about self-expression and technical skills.
“I like taking these classes because I feel like I can really express how my mind sees things,” she said. “Then I can put it on paper or wood and other people can enjoy it. I’ve learned a lot about proportions and using the right proportions in my pieces, but also the way that I use light has gotten better as well. Especially in terms of 3D and 2D pieces, I’ve become a lot better and can use my skills to create better pieces.”
For art teacher Kelly Spanbauer, many of the seniors featured in this show were students from her Introduction to Drawing and Painting. With this, she has seen the most change within the graduating class’s artistic abilities.
“Part of being an introduction teacher is making sure my students understand the science behind creating three-dimensions on a two-dimensional surface,” she said. “Many students are timid in the beginning, and I try to make sure they know that it is okay to try things that make them a bit nervous, like adding black or purple or green to a face, in order to get a better result.”
Some students that start out in the art programs have natural abilities, while some need a little extra teaching. Working with any and all levels of aptitude defines education for Spanbauer.
“When I see a student have the ‘aha’ moment, it makes me feel like I have given them the confidence they need so they can be even better,” she said. “This is what I get to watch and enjoy even though they may not be under my supervision anymore. I know they will know what to do. I have watched many of the senior art students believe in themselves as they challenge themselves to become even better with their skills and it definitely showed in the art show this year.”
Senior Sarah Pizon recognizes her own evolution.
“My skills have definitely advanced when it comes to color matching, creating different values, and expanding depths,” she said.
Specifically, Pizon’s favorite piece demonstrates these advancements most, which is why she displayed it on her senior board.
“My favorite piece is an oil painting in black and white that I did of the Statue of David,” she said. “This was definitely my hardest piece to create. I came in for months straight during W-Hours. I worked on it for a month straight during class, so lots and lots of hours were put into this piece.”
Pizon believes her life skills have developed as a result of the experiences she faced in the art rooms.
“I’ve also grown as a person, as taking these classes has helped me problem solve and approach my problems in new perspectives,” she said. “This room has given me the space to talk about what’s on my mind and to think things through clearly.”
Senior Romey Harenburg used the show as an opportunity to physically display the difference in skill and technique by redrawing a piece from her earlier years.
“I did a painting freshman year and I redid it again my senior year, and just being able to see the better proportions, the better coloring, and stuff like that, it really showed the improvement that I’ve made over these last four years,” she said.
Like Baeten, Harenburg has participated in the arts since childhood. However, her inspiration has flowered from her familial connections.
“Art has always been a passion of mine and has been something that I’ve always enjoyed,” she said. “I’ve also bonded with my grandma over art, who is a really important person in my life. It’s been nice having that connection with her and she’s always been really supportive of me.”
Senior Abigail Wianecki valued the chance to make time for art in her busy, day-to-day schedule.
“Taking art classes has given me the time in my day to practice art and work on my project,” she said. “Some people don’t have that opportunity or time, so taking these classes makes sure that you have that time blocked out in your day to make art.”
Harenburg is planning on going to college for a degree in graphic design, and she has utilized the various art options available at West.
“I’ve been taking art classes from elementary school all the way through high school- so basically my whole life,” she said. “I stick mostly with the Drawing and Painting courses, because that’s what I’m most familiar with and what I really enjoy doing. But, I did take a ceramics class this year and I really enjoyed it. I wish I would have taken it earlier.”
The B-Wing hallways are filled to the brim with multiple classes fit for creative expression. Senior Lily Mott has taken almost all of the fine art related classes available.
“I have been taking art classes since the first semester of freshman year,” they said. “Specifically, I have taken all the Drawing and Painting classes, Global Art, Clay and Ceramics, and Glass and Creative Forms.”
For Mott, these past four years have given them the opportunity to grow, but has also taught them the importance of having art programs in schools.
“I’ve always thought it was a great way for me to express myself and find like-minded people,” they said. “I definitely feel like it is very important for all schools to have an art program. Not all kids connect through music or sports, which is why art is so important.”
Pizon supports this idea, as creativity is a concept that anyone can grasp.
“Art classes are for everybody,” she said. “You don’t have to be good at art to join, but they can teach you a lot about how to make good art and how to grow as a person.”
Art teacher Jason Ryf hopes that the seniors will remember these lessons as they move on to the real world.
“I really hope that they learned some art techniques and skills through the years, but I really hope they learned some things about themselves,” he said. “Even if your piece is not turning out the way you want, you can change it to be what you want. Art is always a work in progress and it's always changing. Art is a lot like life; you start with a plan, but that plan may change. You are in control, so do your best and make something you are proud of.”
Art department chair Linda Geffers was the last teacher for many of the artistic seniors graduating this spring. As such, she has had the honor of watching the seniors reach their fullest potentials while still in high school.
“My advice to the seniors is to live life to the fullest,” she said. “I know it’s cliche but life really does go fast and it’s important to do what brings you joy, love and fulfillment. We have built so many wonderful relationships and I hope that when they leave, one of their goals is to make this world a better place for all.”
Over the last four years, the biggest challenge for many seniors has been tackling fear. In the art world, trying new techniques and ideas can be risky, but Spanabuer views it a little differently.
“Just like in art, trying new things that make you a bit nervous at first, create even greater results,” she said. “You can accomplish anything if you are brave and willing to try.”
By Len Kloss
May 22 2023
Oshkosh West index Volume 119 Issue VIII