Cover Story

70%

OF STUDENTS TAKE AT LEAST ONE VISUAL OR DIGITAL ART COURSE BEFORE GRADUATING

After an entire academic year, Micah Kraus, chair of the art department, and his team are again reunited in the newly-renovated CREATE Studios, a space that fully reflects the integrity, professionalism and talent of Hoban's fine arts program. The much-anticipated studios will house all Hoban's visual and digital art courses beginning in fall 2021.

Hoban's art department has been housed on the school's fourth floor since 2001, which was Kraus's first year teaching at Hoban. At that time, Hoban offered five visual art courses with one full-time and one part-time teacher. Since that time, the department has grown substantially. With roughly 400 students enrolled in the 18 visual art courses offered each year, the department of three full-time and one part-time faculty had outgrown the fourth-floor space.

"It's difficult to imagine the previous art department space," Kraus said. "It has been completely transformed. When the department moved to a larger space 20 years ago, it allowed the department to expand and thrive. By simply providing the raw space, the department was able to expand because we could think of new ideas and implement them. I can only imagine what new developments will be able to take shape in the new CREATE Studios."

Walking into CREATE Studios feels more like walking into a college-level art building. New windows give the studios beautiful, natural light and a great view of East Akron. The 7,400 square-foot area was designed for creative collaboration. Modular furniture and elements such as sliding glass room dividers allow easy transition, providing functional space for students to gather for lectures, explore new artistic processes and create and display artwork. Every design element—from the furniture to the large storage closets, to the flooring and wall treatments–were intentionally chosen.

"This space will serve Hoban and our students for the next 20 years and beyond," Kraus said. "As a department, we have been talking and planning this space since 2015 (incoming freshmen were in second grade at that time). To see this project come to fruition is a dream come true for me and the other art teachers Jill Fortman, Zach Feador and Kim Eggleston-Kraus."

Each year, Hoban students are recognized locally and nationally for the outstanding works of art they produce. This year, 13 students received recognition in the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Competition, including 11 Gold Keys, 10 Silver Keys and 10 honorable mentions. Junior Abigail Joyner received a National Gold Medal in the competition for her photograph, "Stolen" from nearly 230,000 works that were submitted by 80,000 students nationwide. Joyner is one of only 2,000 students to receive a National Medal.

ADAPTED FROM THE VISOR BY: JUNIOR GRACE GALLAGHER Art students have patiently awaited the day when CREATE Studios—Hoban’s new, state-ofthe-art visual arts facility—would open and become the dedicated, artist-friendly space this school once lacked. Soon, art-focused students, many of whom are eager to showcase their life-long love of the visual arts, will have the studio they’ve been promised.

Over the last two years, on and off construction plans were discussed, but due to funding concerns and COVID-19, they were postponed until winter 2021. During this school year, art students, who were relocated to other rooms such as Moreau Ministry Hall and the basement, found the experience in these regular classrooms subpar, lacking in the functionality that a dedicated art space provides.

But, the art department will soon return to its former glory thanks to the progress on CREATE Studios. With a new and improved area just for arts and nothing else, it will be a big relief to all Hoban artists to feel at home.

“Planning is complete, construction is finished, furniture is being installed but the most important ingredient has yet to be added: students,” said Micah Kraus, chair of the art department. “Once the rooms are full of hard-working kids, in-progress projects and phenomenal instructors, it will be fully vibrant and complete.”

The studio, which will boast opportunities for interactive learning, art critiques and a permanent home for Hoban’s Mac lab, will finally be the functional and durable space any aspiring artist could dream of.

“I think CREATE Studios will enhance the students' learning experience because they will naturally feel immersed in a space dedicated specifically to the visual arts,” teacher Jill Fortman said. “The space was designed with the needs of the students in mind so that they feel energized and pumped to further their artistic growth and development.”

The excitement to fill CREATE Studios with students continues to grow as its grand opening draws closer.

Soon, Hoban artists' days of living in the school’s basement will be over. Be patient, a new era of creativity will descend upon Hoban and fill the silence with beauty.

BEFORE PHOTOS

"I have taken four art classes at Hoban and am planning to take advanced photography next year," Joyner said. "During the photography class, through the support of Mr. Kraus, I explored my creativity and developed my own style with photography. I am looking forward to experimenting even more next year during the advanced class."

Countless Hoban alumni have continued their art education after graduation and many are now professional artists. Alex Sprungle ’07 is the owner of Secret Creative Org., a branding and design agency in Northeast Ohio. Sprungle's interest in art first emerged as a Hoban student.

"Micah and the other art teachers ignited a passion and sparked my interest in art and design," Sprungle said. "It wasn’t just a class. He (Kraus) took a hands-on approach with me, and helped develop my interests and supported my ambitions. Hoban provided the opportunity and courses that opened the door to a career in design. Regularly, Hoban teachers encourage students to grow and develop—it speaks to the mission of the school to educate students holistically."

Sprungle designed new signage artwork for CREATE Studios as a way of giving back to his alma mater.

"Hoban has meant so much to me and my family," Sprungle said. "My brothers Fr. Michael McCandless ’98, Andrew ’05, mom Michele (Conrad ’76) Sprungle and other family members have grad-

Clara Krohn ’21 worked on her art piece "Charlotte" during a 2019 Open House. Art teacher Jill Fortman helps her beginning art students mix color. Fine Arts Department Chair Micah Kraus and Luke Petit ’21 review artwork in 2018-19.

AFTER The art department gave tours of CREATE Studios to current students. Art teacher Michah Kraus and Zach Feador introduce perspective drawing.

uated from Hoban and benefited from our Hoban education in many ways. For years, it has been my desire to give back and be involved with the school—it's near and dear to my heart and I want to support Hoban any way I can."

CREATE Studios has a separate workspace for visiting artists, allowing Hoban students to make connections with professional artists and learn from their techniques and crafts.

"Hoban isn't just trying to fit the mold that is the future of high school education and learning, it's breaking new ground and offering students an experience unlike any other," Sprungle said. "With the addition of CREATE Studios, students will receive the hands-on instruction in a state-of-the-art facility that provides the tools needed to explore the arts and personal expression as growing artists with arms-length access to industry professionals±—educating hearts and minds."

Art education has proven not only to impact those with superior artistic abilities but all students. Nearly 70 percent of all Hoban students take at least one visual or digital art class before graduating. Regardless of a student's artistic abilities, they can transfer skills learned in art class to other subjects. “For students who enter art without a real background or interest, visual and performing art courses can be a hopeful experience for them to realize they can develop new skills and excel,” Kraus said.

Art students learn math proficiency when measuring and working with proportion and scale. They grow in language arts through written reports. They explore scientific and critical-thinking skills when creating concepts. They study history through the lens of artists' work.

SUPPORT THE ARTS AT HOBAN

Hoban, under the leadership of Vice President of Institutional Advancement Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk, plans to fund a visual art endowed chair, ensuring the success and lasting impact of CREATE Studios.

"Hoban is and will be further known for art education," Hawk said. "The faculty and their love of educating students have distinguished Hoban in this way. The physical space will only further support and help strengthen what they have already built. We hope students will be energized and inspired in the new studios."

To support this innovative space, please consider a gift to the CREATE Studios. For lasting support, consider remembering Hoban in your will or estate plans.