Art programs at NHS provide a creative outlet for students by making space for students to work and often allowing them to display their art around the school.

According to Emma Santiago, an interior design teacher at NHS, most of the work found around the school results from a large project that art students do at the end of the semester. The students are able to choose their projects independently which would then be approved by both Santiago and Principal Wunderlich, otherwise, Santiago provides them with a list of projects that she feels would positively impact the school.

Starting off, interior design students wanted a designated area to create, so they decided to utilize the nooks within the link. With the help of the tech. ed. students, benches, tables and chairs were created and then placed in the nooks. Furthermore, the interior design students painted the walls around them to make them more inviting. Because of this, students had access to their own space instead of sitting on the floor or having to walk all the way to the library.

As a result of the open spaces and open minds within the school, students often create extremely impactful works of art. The mindfulness painting was completed by the Reach students. They were able to create something that they were passionate about. They wanted their fellow students to be able to have a safe environment to work in and a place to relax in the building.

Furthermore, ‘Homage to Mural Art’ is a painting that was done by Lisa Dorschner’s, ‘Mindful Mural’ class, first semester, with the help of Leif Larson, a well-known local artist who painted a mural outside of New Moon Coffee House. Dorschner says, “ Most of the students in Mindful Murals considered themselves beginning art students and were most inspired to take on this project with Leif Larson.” The sole purpose of this painting was to show dedication, planning, cooperation, and ongoing vision that is required of artists.

The painting was placed at the end of the hall on the way to the tech. ed. wing. Armstrong has spots that are deserving of art and the painting’s purpose is the be eye-catching and to spark curiosity and interest in the student body around it. Dorschner says that “the interest of art and having art around the public is such a vital part of the culture.”

Art sparks curiously, passion, and creativity in so many people. The student body is lucky to have access to these opportunities and be able to see the wonderful creations that can be made through the vision and the teamwork of students who have such an amazing passion.