Artists Emerge

The art show is a collection of several pieces of different forms of art. From abstract paintings to pottery, visitors can see students’ art pieces. Since the beginning of the school year, each art teacher has collected art pieces from projects. When it gets closer to the art show, teachers print out their students’ digital work they want to have published.

“Just advocating for the arts and just making sure to give students voices,” art department head Tu Wana Williams said.

Senior Katherine Stedman had about 10 pieces of artwork featured at the show. As an AP Art student, it took a couple weeks for Stedman to produce each piece. Stedman said painting was her favorite medium of art because of the smooth movement and how free and relaxing it is.

“I’ve done a lot of like studying and research on other artists and they’ve influenced me a lot,” Stedman said.

Students with art featured in the show had the opportunity to earn awards from the show. Teachers and staff pick a piece they like and that artist receives a ribbon. The principal can give out a “Best of Show” award, while each administrator picks out a best piece. They choose a first second and third place for each class.

For those interested in buying an art piece, this year Williams started a fundraiser where an art print was $5. Williams printed out a few pieces that could only be bought the night of the art show. To be able to buy art prints was new to the art show. Williams added it in hopes to raise money for the art department and fund field trips to art museums.

Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Art Institute, less than a 30-minute drive from Oak Park. KCAI is an art school that prides itself on preparing students to transform the world through art and design. According to Niche.com, KCAI ranks 50th for art schools in the country.

Senior Kaihliya Laurendine will attend KCAI this fall. Laurendine’s favorite type of artwork is surrealism and idealism. She also said she finds inspiration from her dreams. At KCAI, she will major in painting in hopes to open her own gallery one day.

‘I think they’re interesting to look at like because you don’t really know what you’re looking at. So I think it’s cool to have your own interpretation,” Laurendine said.