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eArtists showcase their first semester creations by displaying them in an annual school event.

very January, the Art in Unusual Places showcases a variety of student artwork and talents.

Tracey Atkinson teaches Art Spectrum, Digital Art Spectrum, and Advanced Painting and Drawing. She is one of the many teachers that help organize this event, from class projects to ultimately being in charge of placing them around school.

“It is kind of a lot of work to pull together,” said Atkinson. “And it has to be at a time of the year when students have made work that they feel comfortable putting up again.”

“It [Art In Unusual Places] began as a way to just celebrate the Visual Performing Arts at the school a little bit more,” said Atkinson. “It’s nice to get some color out there and hear some performances and just kind of celebrate the students and the magic here at Paly.” to them about it.”

Sophomore Polina Van Hulsen is taking Advanced Painting and Drawing and she submitted some of her artwork from this past semester.

“Most of the students just like submit an artwork or like give her [a teacher] an artwork to present…and everyone had, like, an opportunity to give their artwork,” said Van Hulsen.

“Like a lot of them are from my classmates, too,” said Van Hulsen. “So I’ve already seen their work, but yeah, it’s super cool to just like walk around and see all this stuff, especially from Art Spectrum.”

“I think that this event is a great way to appreciate student artists and celebrate art,” said student Charlotte Anthony. “It also showcases student perspectives and ideas which I think is really important in high school.”

Paly art courses have a very diverse range of talent and skill. Most students who take Visual and Performing Arts for multiple years aren’t offered a regular opportunity to showcase their effort as compared to Theater or Music classes.

“You’d have concerts and performances, but with like, art, just like illustration and stuff like that, it’s more difficult to present it out,” said Van Hulsen. “So I think this is like a great way to show off what we have been doing all year.”

Tracey

“I think it definitely helps to get more exposure get seen more. I definitely think doesn’t hurt,” said Atkinson.

Many student artists were glad to see their artwork around school for the entirety of the week.

“My students that have worked up you know, I think they’re pretty excited to have people recognize them for it,” said Atkinson. “It makes them feel good when teachers, maybe for other classes, say something

Even though Art in Unusual Places cannot be year round, student art is always displayed in the library and the College and Career Center.

“Being a school that has a lot of outdoor space is a challenge, but I’m definitely open for more events of that nature,” said Atkinson. “And I know the choir and band would love to get out there as well.”