NORTH | STAR
FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | ST. CHARLES, MO | 01.11.17 | VOL 31 ISSUE 04
THE IMPACT
OF ART
CONTENTS PEOPLE 12
Cami Wade Graduate Cami Wade expresses her creativity through photography.
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Making Magic A project inspired sophomore Corinne Stevens to become a Disney Imagineer.
PLACES 23
Trendy Places Find uncommon locations to experience art all around St. Louis
26
Glass Art Third Degree Glass Factory is a place to see different kinds of glass art.
ON THE COVER
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Creativity is everywhere. It affects everyone, impacting everyone who sees, hears or experiences it. Since the Renaissance, the arts have remained a huge part of society, and it impacts everyday parts of our lives that we often take for granted. Imagine a world without music, where you can’t escape by simply putting in your earbuds. Imagine a world without TV shows and live performances, one where there is no more binge-watching Netflix on lazy days or going to the Fox to see a musical. Imagine a world without paintings or even photography, where you can’t capture the sunrise on the way to school or admire Starry Night at an art museum, even if that’s the only piece of art you know. Art impacts us all because it is what gives life all of its color. From the stroke of a brush to the ring of a note, the click of a camera shutter to the spin of a pirouette, art manages to affect some people more than others. Admirers of art often become creators who then go on to become the voices of our school and our generation. Artists have the power to document our pain, our struggles, our happiness and our successes in a way that textbooks and the media cannot. They remind us of our humanity, our ability to feel. We feel something when we listen to a singer’s voice during an emotional song, when we see a powerful photograph of a child in Syria or when a character dies in a play. Whatever that emotion is, we cannot deny that art is a powerful force. Many have realized this and taken it upon themselves to wield it in their own form of expression. In this Special Edition, we have chosen to showcase the people and places in our school and in the St. Louis area who want to share art and creativity with the world, from a sketch artist to a dancer to a future band director to a computer programmer. From the Fabulous Fox to the Muny to the Loop, artistic talent fills the halls of FHN and the streets of St. Louis. This is our Special Edition, and this is what it means to us.
Senior Dan Borrelli admires art at the St. Louis Art Museum.
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SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ETHAN SLAUGHTER
Carolynn Gonzalez Editor-in-Chief
Creative Courses Despite challenges to art programs, schools including FHSD work to promote creativity in coursework and all of the benefits that come with it by Noah Slaughter
reader524@gmail.com | @noahslaughterr
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rom global warming to food insecurity, poverty to ISIS, the world faces many problems today, all of which require creative solutions and innovative problem solving. However, students have slowly become less and less creative. A 2010 study of almost 300,000 creativity test scores by Kyung Hee Kim at the College of William and Mary found that the trait has consistently declined in Americans since the 1990s, with the most serious drop in scores in students from kindergarten through sixth grade. To address this trend, many schools have worked to integrate creativity into their curricula. “I think it is so important, especially in today’s world, where creativity is such an important life skill,” art teacher Mandy Knight said. “Being able to creatively solve problems and being able to express yourself through a creative and artistic way is important.” Setting Standards One of the most obvious ways schools promote creativity is through fine arts classes. After two years of research, FHSD adopted the National Core Art Standards in 2014 to outline art expectations for students and guide curriculum writing. These new standards focus less on filling in bubbles on Scantrons and more on creating and interpreting art, whether it’s visual or performing arts. “[The National Core Art Standards] have definitely made an impact on our students and on how our art teachers think about how they present art as a content area,” Michelle Ridlen, FHSD fine arts curriculum content leader, said. “I think previously we had fallen into this rut of having students recreate things instead of truly making something new and original. These standards focus less on the end product and more on the artistic process.” While Ridlen and Knight have seen these standards impact students in a positive way, other standards have had less success. According to Ridlen, No Child Left Behind forced teachers in similar subjects to focus on test scores instead of creation and problem solving. “[No Child Left Behind] was a very quick way to assess the information that the students knew, but it was a limited picture,” Ridlen said. “We got to see their basic recall of information, but we didn’t get to see them apply it to situations. By focusing on the process of art making, we’re able to return to that valuable side of arts education and why we have it in the first place: to get kids thinking about problem solving and how they communicate through various means.”
Making Changes While No Child Left Behind is no longer in effect, schools in Missouri have gradually relaxed their requirements for fine art classes. In the late 90s, the state elementary school requirement for art and music dropped from 60 minutes in each subject every week to 50 minutes, and once they reach middle school, these students are no longer required to take classes in the arts at all. Julie Hale, arts education program specialist for the Missouri Arts Council, believes that these looser requirements can be detrimental to students. “You might have an idea in mind, but bringing it into the real world is your challenge,” Hale said. “The confidence you get from achieving that from an early age makes you into an adult with a happy and fulfilling life.” Despite these changes, the Missouri Arts Council works to allocate state and national funds to different causes, such as symphonies, art museums and art education programs. They also work with the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education to advocate for the arts at the state legislature and department of education. “In Missouri, we’ve had a strong arts voice,” Hale said. “Our state department of education has heard our voice.” Going Beyond Art Class Creativity goes beyond fine arts classes, though. In an effort to promote innovation, many educators nationwide have called for a readjustment from STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to STEAM to include the arts. While FHSD has yet to formally join the movement, Ridlen hopes to pursue it sometime in the future. “Honestly, I think STEM without the A is fairly dry,” Ridlen said. “It doesn’t push students to think about how their application of the principles within science and technology can be applied in a way that isn’t as accepted or isn’t as embraced by people. It’s not just about reasoning, it’s about being creative with your problem solving and being able to think in a way that is beneficial for many and not just some.” Teachers can also foster creativity with different lessons and activities. By encouraging uniqueness and problem solving, they can effectively teach and reinforce creativity. “As a trend overall in education, not just in Francis Howell, people are really looking at how they’re going to prepare their students for the future and how they get them to be critical and creative thinkers,” Ridlen said. “The arts are a real natural avenue for that.”
SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY JAKE PRICE
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SLASHING FUNDING FOR THE ARTS Despite people’s interests in the arts, programs are having major budget cuts
by Anthony Kristensen
nation, these same cuts are being put in place in public schools and organizations. In Missouri, for example, the art programs through the Missouri Arts Council are losing he artist paints on the canvas, carefully analyzing their state funding. The council includes organizations, every stroke of the brush. The photographer such as the Allied Arts Council, who have received a patiently awaits the right shot, ready to pounce at $10,000 cut from previous year’s budgets. any moment. The chef spends hours of his time making “I don’t want an increase in funding for fine arts the right dish, only to please the customers who give him programs, but I also don’t want it to be lowered,” piano his business. The actor tries to master his lines before player and junior Colin Levins said. “I just want it to opening night, to make sure that he can exceed the stay the same. Although because funding for the school expectations of the waiting crowd. district has stayed the same and there needs to be more No matter what the area, the arts are influential to many cuts, I’ll just say that I’d rather have the ability to have people. From music to painting, people get their buses or after photography to dancing, the school tutoring rather than more - 6% of college graduates majored in arts are continually present in funding for the fine art programs.” Visual and Performing Arts modern society. When it comes down to it, “Art is important because the arts will continue to impact - Jobs in the visual and performing arts not only does it entertain the society, regardless of funding audience and is a distraction from the state. However, many account for 0.5% of the work force from the rush of daily life, it people fear that the amount of provides society a mirror to look - More people major in the arts than artists who produce the paintings, back at itself,” senior drama club mathematics and statistics music, movies, food or anything member Mark Van Coutren said. that falls into the category of art (Sources: US News, American Association of When observing the different Colleges and Universities ) will be drastically impacted if effects that the arts have on they don’t get the funds that they society, one must simply need to produce what they do. As look around them. The music blaring from someone’s budgets get tighter and money gets slashed, there will be headphones, the shows on television and even the less artistic ability put on display. This is a problem in the posters in the hallways fit the description of art. As it eyes of many, but some people, such as Levins, see it in a continues to be prevalent in society, people can simply very different way. look around them to see the impact that the arts have on “I don’t think that we should increase funding for fine their everyday lives. arts programs if it means taking funding away from “Not only does art provide a creative outlet, it creates the four core classes,” Levins said. “While the fine art an accepting environment for anyone to be themselves,” programs are important, society focuses more on the senior drama club member Taylor Wallsmith said. “Art is core classes more than anything else. If we have more about pure expression, reflecting who you truly are.” funding in the budget, it would be nice to have, but I As it stands, the arts are losing funding and interest think we could manage with what we have now. I only across the country, and the arts are typically some of really agree with funding if we A. Don’t already have the first programs to be cut from dwindling budgets. it, [or] B. The student legitimately can’t afford their Just this year, Art Club was cut at FHN, and across the instruments.”
anthony.kristensen17@gmail.com | @anthonyk17slsg
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SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ANTHONY KRISTENSEN
FUNDING OUR CREATIVITY As of the 2013-14 school year, nearly one out of every two counties in the state of Missouri were underfunded by an average of $800 per student. - mobudget.org
GENERAL FUNDING
“Art classes are a place where kids can express themselves. It’s not like the core classes, they’re more free-thinking classes. I hope it stays a district priority.” - Angela Lawson, Administrative Assistant
FHSD schools were underfunded by $806 per student in the 2013-14 school year . This is predicted to have increased due to additional budget cuts. - mobudget.org
WHY IS FUNDING THE ARTS IMPORTANT? A 2010 study by the Missouri Arts Council showed that greater arts education leads to fewer disciplinary infractions and higher attendance, graduation rates and test scores. A 2011 study, Reinvesting in Arts Education, found that integrating arts with other subjects can help raise achievement levels.
“We always could use more resources and it could really benefit our kids in everyday classrooms. There’s always room for growth, so the more resources, the better.” - Mandy Knight, art teacher
“Keeping kids in the arts is going to help them with their processing and thinking skills in other classes, not just in arts, but in sciences and mathematics and communication arts. It’s going to help them with their own creative thoughts and thinking for themselves.” - Elizabeth Allen, art teacher
The arts provide a visual learning experience, which is helpful to younger kids who don’t have much experience with reading.
The arts provide students with an outlet to express themselves, which is something not necessarily guaranteed by all core classes.
Many of the arts, such as band, choir and drama, require kids to work together. This helps with social and collaboration skills.
CLASS FUNDING BREAKDOWN Out of the total class funds at FHN, art classes receive 10 percent. Band, choir, art and drama classes are funded. These funds buy academic supplies, but not the things needed outside of school. The administration is required to fund these classes, but there’s no mandate on the level of support.
Visual art classes have one of the highest budgets out of all the fine art classes because they have consumables which have to be replaced year to year, whereas the other classes have mostly reusable supplies. The majority of the overall class budget goes to core classes due to the amount of students who are required to take them.
Drama Classes (1.5%) Instrumental Music Classes (1%) Vocal Music Classes (4%) Visual Art Classes (3.5%) Other Classes (90%) *Instrumental music and drama classes also get further support through the activities budget.
SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ALY DOTY & MACKENZIE PUGH
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HOW
MUSIC
AFFECTS THE BRAIN en Source: ser
dip.brynmawr.edu, popsci.com , scien
cema g.org
BROCA’S AREA & WERNICKE’S AREA The Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area are both where language is processed. If a song has lyrics, they are decoded here. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey has easily recognized lyrics.
MOTOR CORTEX The motor cortex controls movement. Songs with strong beats and rhythms may cause a physical response such as tapping feet. Feel like dancing? Listen to “No Money” by Galantis
VISUAL CORTEX The visual cortex processes visual information. It is used when reading music.
FRONTAL & TEMPORAL LOBES When one hears music, these parts of the brain process things like the melody and speed of the music. They are the first to respond to music.
(Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)
For a fast song, listen to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers For a slow song, listen to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS This part of the brain produces serotonin and dopamine, two necessary chemicals that cause us to relax and feel happy. The nucleus accumbens is activated when a listener feels emotions from music. For an emotional song, listen to “Fix You” by Coldplay
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
AUDITORY CORTEX
CEREBELLUM
The auditory cortex processes sound. When one hears music, it is processed here. The right side of the auditory cortex analyzes harmonics while the left perceives rhythm.
The cerebellum controls the muscles. When music is heard, it helps the listener interpret rhythm. For a song with a strong beat, listen to “Sail” by AWOLNATION
To hear harmonics in action, listen to the acapella group Pentatonix
Patients with Parkinson’s disease, which immobilizes the body, have gotten up and walked around when a specific type of music is played. This provides evidence that music can cause movement even after it appears to be lost.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Studies have shown that there may be a link to music and memory centers. After listening to specific types of music, Alzheimer’s patients have been known to recover memories they had lost.
Source: serendip.brynmawr.edu
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SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ & REBEKAH MAYE
CUTTING A CREATIVE CLUB After decreased attendance and low funds, Art Club shut down at the end of last year by Ashya Roberson
Shayroberson48@gmail.com | @aweezyroberson Art Club held its final meeting in May last school year after 15 years of learning and working on art projects. It ended because of a shortage of money and the small number of students in it, making the club the first to be cut for this year. “Finding out that Art Club was shutting down hit me in a way,” former sponsor Michael Leistner said. “I was happy in a sense because it gave me more time to be with my family. However, I felt like I lost a family, in a way, when I had to tell my Art Club students we won’t be having meetings anymore.” Attendance in the club was small, and the students who went to meetings did not know that their club would be gone by this year. For many Art Club students, the announcement was a shock because art is one of the ways they can express themselves. Junior Vanessa Downen was in the club for a year until it shut down. “Being able to be a part of Art Club was amazing,” Downen said. “It was something that I was good at, and I was able to have a voice and speak on what I felt about.” Art Club used to have meetings almost every day. Each meeting was different and, since people came and went, it was a little hard to keep track of how many people were really in the group. Many had jobs and other activities to go to, making the club smaller and smaller over time. “It was always fun meeting up at cafes and talking about art or getting to know newcomers,” Leistner said. “I’m going to miss Art Club, but I’m sort of relieved in a sense because I can spend time with my 5-year-old twins and wife.”
Sophomore Sahara Ramirez puts red acrylic paint on her palette. Students in the art program learn about the different uses of certain paints, such as acrylic and water color, to create more unique looks. (Photo by Savannah Wandzel)
MORE THAN JUST AN IMAGE
Art therapy provides a unique way for medical patients to express their feelings by Jake Price
japrice024@gmail.com | @dragonjake158 When a person looks at a painting or drawing, they usually assume it takes skill and talent. However, they might not know that the piece of art can also have a purpose. Many people think that others just do art as a hobby or a career, but it can actually be a lifesaver. This lifesaver is called art therapy. “When a person creates art, it comes from within,” Julie Gant, St. Louis Children’s Hospital art therapist, said. “The art people create is an extension of themselves.” Art therapy is a unique form of therapy that patients use to help express themselves through nonverbal means. If a person suffers from a medical condition, such as cancer or a mental illness, and has trouble expressing their feelings, art therapy helps them release emotions without saying a word. “[Art therapy] provides an alternative outlet for patients,” psychology teacher Sean Fowler said. “It gives them another way to express their feelings.” Art therapists use the understanding of imagery and the therapeutic possibilities of color, texture and other art media. Art therapists also work with patients in
a variety of places including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, senior communities and correctional institutions. “I think art therapy is very effective,” Fowler said. “However, I think it depends on if the patient is engaged in the therapy session.” Some people think that doing art in their free time to help with their frustrations is also art therapy, but this is not exactly true. Although doing art is a self-care technique, it is not to be confused with art therapy. “The whole purpose of art therapy is to project feelings with art,” Gant said. “It shows the person’s value in making something.” According to Gant, there was a little girl at Children’s Hospital who was diagnosed with lymphoma, and she made a painting by vigorously brushing the paper with one color after the other to represent her condition. However, she decided that she wanted to burn the painting. She then took the ashes of the painting and painted them using glue on a big piece of paper. After that, she glued little sparkly gems and stars on the paper. This piece of art represented that lymphoma didn’t define her and that she could only define herself. “Our obligation is to try to live a healthy life,” Gant said. “Art therapy helps us owe it to ourselves to live a life without victimization.”
SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ASHYA ROBERSON
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PEOPLE
Anyone can display creativity through both imagination and originality. Whether someone expresses themselves by singing, or displays creativity through art or tattooing, everyone has their own talents. From coding computers, taking photos, sewing dresses, doing makeup or designing roller coasters, anyone can find their passion through a creative outlet.
Senior Shannon Lane reveals some of her finished art work. Lane used multiple supplies like charcoal, graphite and oil pastel to create this piece. “Paying attention to detail when I’m drawing helps me to see unique things I wouldn’t have noticed before,” Lane said.
A PENCIL, A PERSON AND A TALENT
Drawing has been a part of senior Shannon Lane’s life for the past seven years and she even hopes to turn it into her future by Olivia Fetsch
Oliviafetsch2001@gmail.com | @Livyfetsch
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Shannon Lane’s artwork lays on an art table in Mandy Knight’s art room. More of Lane’s artwork is showcased outside of room 165 in the art wing near the commons. “My favorite thing about drawing is that it has helped me see more detail in life, not only in art work but in the world around me,” Lane said. (Photos by Hannah Medlin)
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SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY OLIVIA FETSCH
enior Shannon Lane became interested in drawing when she was in seventh grade. She began drawing cartoons for fun and eventually became eager to try something new, like people. She now mostly draws people based off photorealism, a detailed representation in art, but she still finds herself doodling on her school work without even realizing it. “Drawing helps me pay more attention and gives me a different way to look at things,” Shannon said. “I want to major in art and keep it in my life.” Shannon didn’t just start off drawing portraits of people as she does now, she began by taking art classes at school and even watching YouTube tutorials about drawing. Although she doesn’t take any classes outside of the ones at school, she has successfully found other ways to perfect her drawing. “We really encourage her and have bought art supplies over the years,” Shannon’s mom Lisa Lane said. “She just puts her heart and soul into her drawings and she is such a perfectionist. It really shows in her art.” Even though Shannon taught herself a lot of her drawing skills, she does have some inspirations. One person who has influenced Shannon’s drawing path was a YouTuber that she watched through the years who has a painting channel. Art teacher Mandy Knight has also helped Shannon grow as an artist and improve her drawing skills. Knight has even inspired Shannon to want to pursue a career in becoming an art teacher. “I believe that Shannon has a natural drawing ability and is extremely talented,” Knight said. “I like to reassure Shannon from time to time that she is an amazingly talented artist and she should never doubt herself.” Even though Shannon sometimes finds drawing stressful when it comes to trying to finish a project, she also uses it to relieve stress. She believes it helps her pay more attention to detail in her everyday life outside of drawings. She has also realized that it makes her look at everything in a different way and makes her see everyone different in their own physical way. “Drawing gives me a way to escape and helps me deal with daily stuff,” Shannon said. “It kind of gives me a way to relieve my stress.”
THE WONDERS OF MAKEUP Senior Taylor Wallsmith expresses her individuality and creativity through her love for being a makeup artist by Myah Blocker
myah447@yahoo.com | @nicolemyah_
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aylor Wallsmith was introduced to theater at the age of 6. She first started out acting and then ventured into theatrical makeup. Later, she realized what it means to her and how big a role makeup plays in her life and the lives of other people. “I’ve always been around makeup, and I wanted a hobby that was more unique than sports,” Wallsmith said. “When I saw pictures I thought it was really cool, and I wanted to do it myself.” Wallsmith does theatrical makeup rather than cosmetics because it gives her the opportunity to be different. Makeup is an art to her, and it allows her to be limitless in what she creates. “I like how when you’re doing theatrical makeup you’re either creating something to look real or you’re creating something different that’s not yourself,” Wallsmith said. Makeup is something that everyone is involved with in theater. Senior Sydney Weber, a castmate who participates in theatrical makeup, understands how important makeup is in theater and what it does for the actors. Follow the link to “With makeup, watch a makeup tutorial and try it you can be as for yourself: creative as you https://goo.gl/ want,” Weber said. QN65YR “Taylor definitely does it better than me. She has so many opportunities already, just by being in theater.” Although it can be fun for her, applying makeup can also be difficult at times, according to Wallsmith. Being an artist, she wants to be able to appeal to everyone including herself, and at times it gets very hard. “I’m a perfectionist,” Wallsmith said. “I want to be efficient and be able to please myself, as well as the people I’m doing it to.” Theater Director Kim Sulzner has been on of Wallsmiths mentors throughout her journey in theatrical makeup. She has been Wallsmith’s theater teacher since sixth grade, but she takes no credit for Wallsmith’s theatrical talents. “She taught herself a lot of the stuff,” Sulzner said. “If she can’t do something, she’ll teach herself how to do it. She’s just very creative.” Being a makeup artist has allowed her to discover herself in multiple ways. To Wallsmith, makeup represents individuality, creativity and gives her the ability to uncover different artistic aspects about herself. “The way you do your makeup shows your personality and that’s what I like about it,” Wallsmith said. “I get to show my personality through theater and makeup.”
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Ochoa’s medals from district choir lay on his sheet music in the choir room. To be in district choir you have to audition and to do so you have to sign up with Lorraine Smith, the choir director. District is a fun way to get more involved with singing and spend time with other students from around the area enjoy too.
SINGING WITH A PASSION
Singing is a stress reliever for senior Bryan Ochoa and a motivator to improve himself
by Stacy Beasley
sbeazley125@gmail.com | @sbeazley125
Senior Bryan Ochoa stands in the choir room holding Lacrimosa by Mozart and Now Touch The Air Softly by Susan LaBarr, his two favorite music pieces from district choir. “Lacrimosa is one of my favorites because the dynamics increase and it makes you feel very powerful.” Ochoa said. (Photos by Riley McCrackin)
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SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY STACY BEASLEY
Singing has been a part of Bryan Ochoa’s life for a long time, and he’s always had a knack for it Senior Bryan Ochoa has been interested in singing most of his life. He gained interest in choir during middle school and joined for the first time his sophomore year. “I’ve always loved singing and been interested in it, so when the opportunity came up, I said ‘Let’s give this a go,’” Ochoa said. Ochoa tried out for Districts this year and he made it. He also had an all-State audition, but he didn’t make it. Ochoa has also expressed interest in the collegiate level for choir. “I think singing just really liberates you from your stress, or maybe your daily problems, and it just gives you a way out,” Ochoa said. When he auditioned for choir sophomore year, choir teacher Lorraine Smith saw his potential and put him at bass, as she believed they needed a good bass singer at the time. “Bryan is hilarious,” Smith said. “He is super fun to be around, he makes the room a pleasure everyday and is so committed to what he does.” Although he has done choir for three years, he still plans to improve on his abilities by getting a private instructor to help him take his talent to the next level. His teacher and classmates say he is a joy to be around and is always committed to choir and making himself better. “He’s a fantastic addition to our choir, he’s always done well at bass,” senior Ethan Sampson said.
Wade’s Mamiya film camera sits on a table outside of Picassos with the film that is used for the camera. Wade has always been the creative type, which soon developed into photography. She started getting into photography and has advanced far from there today and is now a “fine art” photographer. Wade likes shooting with film because it gives her photos much more of a richer look than a DSLR would.
Alumna Cami Wade poses with her camera taking photos on Beale street in front of Picassos Coffee shop. Wade joined the photo staff of publications during her high school career from second semester her sophomore year until she graduated. (Photos by Riley McCrackin)
LIVING LIFE THROUGH THE LENS Young photographer Cami Wade continues to express her creativity through photography by Kylah Woods
actual wedding. “By the time I’m at their day, I’m not just hired help and they don’t call me like kylahwoods27592@gmail.com | @kylahrw ‘Hey photographer,’” Wade said. “[The bride] says ‘hey’ and jokes around with me he light of the computer illuminates her face as she edits and perfects all day and she treats me more like a friend. We kind of have a cool relationship to every picture. The scent of tea is heavy in the air. This time she’s editing two where she’s more comfortable being herself in front of the camera.” different shoots, one a wedding and the other, senior portraits. Editing these Wade’s weekends are reserved for shoots. Sometimes crazy things happen. One photos is only half of FHN alumna Cami Wade’s job. time, she shot a wedding and the cake fell over. Another time the bride’s dress “I like to edit a few shoots at once, rather than one entire [shoot] at a time ripped and they fixed the dress using a curtain. because it helps me break it up and I like to enjoy what I do,” Wade said. “I don’t “I think certain brides will take things like that and laugh about it and move on,” like sitting at a desk either, so a lot of times I’ll sit outside on the porch swing or on Wade said. “Then, other brides, if something happens they’re devastated and my couch or sometimes I’ll lay on the floor with a bunch of pillows. I it just ruins their day. I always try to tell brides that this is one of the cannot stand being confined to a desk.” biggest days of your life and the only important thing is that by the end Wade has always been around art and photography. She started of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life. Enjoy every moment of painting at a young age. When she was little, her dad bought a photo it.” Follow this link to studio, but she was too young to really get into photography. When taking wedding or engagement photos, Wade tells her clients to learn more about “I knew in my freshman year of high school that I wanted to do just act natural. Since she gets to know her clients before the shoot, they Cami Wade: goo.gl/wf7XSp something with art,” Wade said. “I couldn’t figure out what I could tend to be more comfortable with her taking pictures. make a living out of and that’s how I found photography because it’s “She’s excellent,” past client Penny Smith said. “I’d recommend her to pretty artistic and I could make a career out of it.” anyone.” In high school, Wade took a photojournalism class at FHN and immediately Now she’s editing a wedding photo. It’s a photo of a husband and wife. They fell in love with photography. She knew that eventually she wanted to get aren’t looking directly at the camera. They’re looking at each other as if there’s not an internship, so she worked in high school to better her skills. She officially a camera pointed at them and they’re all alone. registered her business in 2007, which was late in her sophomore year. She shot “It was really cool how she was able to get those natural moments of us,” past her first wedding at the beginning of her junior year. client Jessica Doll said. “Sometimes taking pictures is just plain awkward.” “I always tell photographers that ask me how I got my business started to gain Wade says that it wasn’t easy getting where she is today and that photography experience,” Wade said. “You have to have people that give you freedom and isn’t something that people are born to be good at. Despite this, Wade learned believe in you to do what you do.” how to take photos and later developed her own style. She went from being lost in On a weekday, Wade’s day is filled with sending emails and editing shoots. On a sea of drawings and paintings to running her own photography business by the some days, however, she meets with her clients. She enjoys getting coffee and end of sophomore year. meeting with her clients before the shoot. Wade and the bride discuss not only “People think photography is super easy, but it’s really not,” Wade said. “It’s so small details about the location or time of the wedding, they get to know each much more than clicking a button. I think anyone can learn how to do it, it’s just other. She’ll meet with the bride for coffee or lunch three or four times before the the motivation to get better.”
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PERFORMING PRECISELY Junior Rebekah Apicello puts all of her work into becoming a professional dancer, even though she faces challenges along the road by Sammie Herr
sammieherr17@gmail.com | @ouchthatherrt
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ours and hours pass by as junior Rebekah Apicello flies through her week. She goes from school to dance at the St. Louis Ballet School on repeat. Apicello attends various dance classes of all different types. The dances in her schedule are jazz, tap and contemporary, in addition to ballet and pointe. Most of her weeks are spent using up lots of her time, effort and work to perform with her teachers, but her main goal is to become a professional ballerina. “[Performing is] pretty incredible,” Apicello said. “You get to connect with all the people around you whether it be on stage or in the audience. You’re able to convey something you can’t do with words. [Practicing] isn’t quite as magical as when you’re performing, but it’s still nice and it’s good because you know you’re putting in the hard work and you know it’ll pay off. You’re able to really improve and focus on your technique.” It all started when she was around 2 years old. Her parents decided to put her into a ballet class and from then on she’s been in numerous shows and participates in “The Nutcracker” every year with The St. Louis Ballet. Ever since she joined, she has made close friendships and bonds with other students and instructors who attend the ballet school, like one of her friends Ruth
(Photo illustration by Hannah Medlin)
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Connelly. “We dance together a lot,” Connelly said. “She has really nice control over her body and her strengths. She’s not the most flexible, but she articulates every movement in her feet and it’s nice to watch because she thinks about every movement and doesn’t throw her step away at all, while completing it with a pleasant look on her face.” Apicello plans to find a way to go to a performing arts school for her senior year. The majority of her junior year so far has been to prepare and look for schools she can audition for, and she has also attended numerous summer intensives over the years. “There’s a handful of students that I see as leaders of the class,” instructor Joy Baker said. “I do see Rebekah as a leader. She has several aspects. One of the things is that she’s focused. She has a really good work ethic and is very consistent about working hard. That’s a good quality because you can rely on that student to come in and act the right way.” Dancing is her passion. It’s been this way for so long that she’s had to give up being in extracurricular activities such as school plays and musicals. She even had to stop going to the school’s dance team, Knightline. Apicello believes that she spends more time at her dance school than she does at school in general. “I can’t do everything I want to, but I’m doing what I like the best,” Apicello said. “Ballet is both a way for me to find and lose myself at the same time. I don’t need to worry about anything going on at home or at school or with friends, it’s just me and the music. At the same time, I feel like it’s the purest form of expression for me, getting to feel without needing justification.”
Jackie Schrader and sophomore Autumn Schrader take a photo together to show their close relationship. Schrader now has a close relationship with her grandmother because they worked so closely on the dress together. Schrader used many supplies like a sewing machine, fabric pins, fabric, and a mannequin to make the dress.
STRENGTHENING BONDS BY SEWING Sophomore Autumn Schrader has a hobby that bonds more than what it seams by Sarah Zimmerman volleyballtwin8@gmail.com
Sophomore Autumn Schrader poses in her dress that she made with her grandma Jackie Schrader. Schrader decided to make the dress as a last minute project three weeks away from homecoming, but they got it finished with little time to spare. (Photos by Hannah Medlin)
From finding a perfect pattern and fabric to the final touches, sophomore Autumn Schrader stitched a closer bond with her aunt and grandma. All it took was discovering her hobby of sewing by creating her homecoming dress with the help of her aunt and quilting with her grandmother. “It was awesome,” Autumn said. “Everyone was talking about how they had the same dress as someone. I didn’t have to deal with it. It was really cool because I got to work with my family. A lot of people complimented me on it because they knew that I made it.” Though the final product stunned Autumn, the effort required to create the dress and finish it on time led to a bit of stress. First, Autumn and her grandmother picked out the pattern and got help from her aunt. Then, they went fabric shopping and followed the steps in making any garment: cut it out, sew it together and make sure it fits. Along the way, they tweaked the dress with sleeves, a neckline and fitting adjustments too. “Overall, I was so happy that we got it done and it was so successful and so perfect,” Autumn’s aunt Erica Schrader said. “She did such an amazing job. She didn’t lose her patience with it because
sewing is a long process. She didn’t give up and I didn’t give up. It was so rewarding and it looked so amazing. It was a really smooth project.” After finishing the dress and finding the sweet satisfaction of completing her sewing masterpiece, Autumn took on another challenge of quilting with her grandmother. When they found a bag of quilting squares at a store, they decided together to finish what someone else had already started. To do this, they began sewing the squares into patchwork quilts as gifts. “We always had a pretty good relationship, but I think we’ve learned to be more patient and it’s like her and I have bonded over [quilting], but we’ve always been real close,” Autumn’s grandmother Jackie Schrader said. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s like passing down another generation of sewers. A lot of people don’t see that now.” By sewing her homecoming dress and quilting with her grandmother, Autumn strengthened her relationships and sewing skills while discovering a hobby she can use for the rest of her life. “It closed the generation gap,” Autumn said. “It’s difficult to talk to people that you don’t have much in common with, that have led different lives, but it’s helped us communicate better because we have a lot to talk about now and do together.”
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I JOINED THE JOURNALISM INTRO CLASSES JUST TO GET THE ENGLISH CREDIT. It turned out that I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE PROGRAM and I have made so many new friends. The intro classes helped me become a MUCH BETTER WRITER and MORE CREATIVE PERSON.” — Jacob Dulaney, Sports Reporter FHN Media
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Corinne Stevens draws Disney characters with inspiration from an Imagineering book released by Disney. Imagineers bring art and science together to make dreams come true. They are behind the designs and builds for all of the theme parks, resorts, and attractions.
MAKING HER OWN MAGIC A project in middle school inspired sophomore Corinne Stevens to work to become a Disney Imagineer
by Ethan Slaughter
ethanslaughter0@gmail.com | @ethanslaughterr
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ince seventh grade, sophomore Corinne Stevens has known that she wants to work for Disney as an Imagineer. An Imagineer creates, designs and constructs the different attractions at the Disney Parks around the world. She knew that she wanted to be an Imagineer after doing an independent research project in seventh grade about what makes Walt Disney World “the happiest place on earth.” “Disney World was my teacher’s favorite place, so I thought I could get a little ahead on the grade,” Corinne said. “Then I figured out that there was a whole career that created the magic and I thought that was cool.” A few years ago, Corinne wrote to an Imagineer to get advice on how she could get a job as an Imagineer. When they wrote back, they told her to find out what she’s best at and then become the best she can at that specific thing. “You need a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck to get your foot in the door,”
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Stevens holds “Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real” by Disney. The book is about the staff of Imagineers working for Disney and the process of how they create the different attractions at Disney theme parks. (Photos by Morgan Bales)
mother Ashleigh Stevens said. “It’s something that she’s very excited for and Disney would be the perfect job for her.” Corinne also currently takes the PLTW engineering courses and got ahead in math and science in middle school so she can take AP Physics I her junior year and then AP Physics II her senior year. “I’m surrounding myself with the basic principles of engineering and then building on that in college and I’ve already been introduced to some of those principles of what I will be learning,” Corinne said. On her next visit to one of the Disney Parks, she hopes to meet an Imagineer and get the chance to sit down and talk to them about what it’s like to be an Imagineer. Corinne plans to go to college after high school to study engineering and then intern at Disney to learn how to create something for Disney. “It would be awesome to have a ride at Disney to see the expressions on people’s faces as they ride something I did and worked hard for,” Corinne said. “I think it’s just creating an atmosphere that is basically defining anything in the real world, and creating something that’s magic is better than creating a bridge.”
Senior Elijah Kelly poses in front of a Smart Board with coding projected on him during a presentation. Kelly started programming his freshman year and plans to attend Missouri S&T to further his studies of computer science. (Photo by Sam Cary)
WRITING THE CODE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE Senior Elijah Kelly plans to turn his hobby of computer programming into a career in software design by Keegan Schuster
keeganschuster98@gmail.com
Computer programs become more and more prevalent as days go by. With cell phones and laptops popping up at every corner, it is no doubt that today’s high school students have experience with these programs. However, most students can barely describe how these intricate operations work, let alone design one. Despite their complication, senior Elijah Kelly began designing such programs nearly three years ago. “It really just involves learning the syntax and language of what you’re working with, along with thinking logically to get the computer to do what you want,” Kelly said. “It’s pretty nice to have something you’re good at. It’s definitely an area of confidence for me, and many people have been impressed by what I’ve created so far.” Starting his freshman year, Kelly began teaching himself the basics of computer programming as an outlet for his creativity. Just a few months later,
he mastered the beginning concepts enough to start programming comfortably. Using programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML and Python, he began applying his newfound knowledge to make various programs, such as games and calculators. “It’s really crazy how every day he’s on his computer trying to create something,” Elijah’s brother, Isaac Kelly said. “Programming is the future, and with all the new technology coming out, it’s becoming more and more important.” To help boost his experience with programming, Elijah is currently in his second year of Computer Science. Today, he continues to advance his skills by learning new programming languages and creating new types of programs. He plans to make a career out of his hobby by obtaining a degree in software design at Missouri S&T. “Programming really helps with logical thinking and makes you think outside the box,” Computer Science teacher Mike Freedline said. “It’s beneficial to learn because every field needs programmers. No matter where you work, its growth is endless.”
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Junior Emily Hardin practices her saxophone outside of the Hardin plays the saxophone during her hour as a teacher assistant for band director Robert Stegeman. Hardin loves to play and is in band room. Hardin takes private lessons along with her marching band as well as symphonic band and jazz band. She has played music through both middle school and high school. (Photos by classes at FHN. Hardin is also in pep band. Alex Rowe)
WHAT IS IT?
Many people don’t know what being a band director requires or much about the job. Here are some facts about it.
DAILY WORK HOURS Band directors typically work normal business hours plus time outside of school.
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY $45,090 is the median annual wage for band directors.
REQUIRED EDUCATION A bachelor’s degree in a music field is necessary. (Source: Campus Explorer)
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heading in the right direction Junior Emily Hardin has already made the decision to become a band director and works to achieve that goal by taking classes and lessons and by doing marching band and pep band by Heidi Hauptman
heidihauptman9@gmail.com | @HauptmanHeidi
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omeone knowing in high school what they want to do as a career is rare. This is not the case for junior Emily Hardin. She has decided that she wants to pursue a career as a high school band director. “I knew that I wanted to become a band director sometime during middle school,” Hardin said. “I just vividly remember in seventh grade I thought, ‘What would be a really good option for me?’ I really enjoy music and I really like the concept of teaching and band and it all just goes together. Once I got to high school, both of my directors, Mr. Moorman and Mr. Stegeman, really inspired me in different ways to do something and become what they are to the kids.” Because Hardin knows what she wants to do after high school and college, she has started taking measures to help prepare herself. She currently plays alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet and flute. Hardin starts her day with three hours of band by going from symphonic band, to being a TA for band director Robert Stegeman during his concert band class, to going to jazz band. “There are times when having a schedule like that can be hard,” Hardin said. “It really depends on if anything important like Districts is coming up. We recently just had Districts and I had to practice a lot for that and it was kind of hard to focus on not only just band but other classes as well and juggle all of that together. I know that I can handle it. It just takes a lot of time management and being smart.” By being a TA for the current band director, Hardin gains exposure
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to what she wants to do in the future. Stegeman has allowed Hardin to work with the kids in the class and help conduct them on a few occasions. She has also had the opportunity to do copying for formatives and work with Stegeman on music theory. “You can tell that she really has a passion for music,” Stegeman said. “I really enjoy working with her because she receives the information well and definitely shows her interest in the topic.” After high school, Hardin hopes to go to a college with a strong band program and continue strengthening her education musically speaking. The minimum education needed to become a band director in any setting is a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate music field. “I want to be able to be as involved in a band life in college as possible,” Hardin said. “I feel like when it comes to a marching band in college, a band director works with a marching band a lot so it would be helpful to be in a marching band to see it. I feel like that would be really helpful for me.” Hardin has always had a strong passion for music and band. She is constantly fascinated by music and is excited for when she can help to implant that same love for music into her students. “I love how there are different genres and ways that you can play and how just one rhythm can change the style of everything,” Hardin said. “Every song is so different. I feel like every day would be so fun being a teacher because it would be new all the time and you can help them improve on things every day. I look forward to seeing how influential I can be on my students one day. The thought of me being influential and being really close with my students is really cool and I think it would be really neat to just help them improve on their music.”
Alumna Autumn Todd gets a photo taken after she got her first tattoo. Todds tattoo stands for the saying, “God is greater than the highs and lows,” “Honestly I don’t know if I would ever want another tattoo anywhere else but if I would it would have my kids name or something.” Todd said. (Photo by Riley McCrackin)
FOREVER ART There are many meanings behind tattoos and the reasons that people get and create them
by Sami Schmid
saminicole102@gmail.com | @sami_nicole102
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attoo art has been around since 2000 B.C. and has remained an everpopular way for people to express themselves. The reasons and meanings for tattoos have changed over the years and from person to person. Whatever the reason, the practice of permanently inking skin has become a form of art for many. “I think the art as a whole is great,” senior December Brown said. “You can do some really beautiful things with tattoos. You can tell a whole story just by tattoos. People don’t even have to talk to you to get a story out of you and I think that’s great.” The story behind alumna Shannon Mahaffey’s tattoo is one of her eating disorder. She got a symbol representing all eating disorders as a reminder for her to not become bulimic again. “I think it’s a good way to represent yourself as a person,” Mahaffey said. “Mine hasn’t really affected me because it’s kind of a part of who I am now.” Alumna Autumn Todd got her tattoo as a personal reminder as well. She got her tattoo at Big Bear on her 18th birthday. Historically, tattoo art has been a part of many cultures and religions. Some cultures have also forbidden them. However, many people from those faiths get tattoos to represent their beliefs. Todd chose her tattoo to remind herself that she always has her beliefs whether or not she is having a tough time or a great one. “My tattoo means a lot to me and stuff I’ve gone through in life,” Todd said. “It’s
Alumna Autumn Todd sits in a chair as she is gets a tattoo. The tattoo artist put a black sheet to protect Todds clothes during the process of getting a tattoo. Todds tattoo took one minute and 18 seconds. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be but I almost took my friends hand off because I was holding onto it so tight.” Todd said. (Photo by Riley McCrackin)
hard to stay positive and focused on Christ when you’re going through a tough time and seem lost, and it’s very easy to forget what got you to where you are when everything seems to be going just right. This marking will remind me each and every day that there’s so much more than my highs and lows in life, that God’s ultimately in control.” While tattoos are a personal form of expression for many, others use tattoo as a way of creating art. Kenny Reynolds is an artist who began tattooing as a way to make art his profession. He started an apprenticeship at Big Bear almost ten years ago and has been working there ever since. Reynolds became a tattoo artist after having a bad experience in high school getting his first tattoo. “It was one of those moments that actually getting my tattoo was what inspired me to and kind of pushed me in the direction of [tattoo art],” Reynolds said. “I knew I wanted to do art but most jobs in art just don’t really pay the bills. And I figured the tattoo would kind of give me a little bit of direction and low and behold kinda right there from the first little bit of it there was this instant moment of clarity where I was like ‘Wow this is awesome.’ I get to make art all day.”
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PLACES
With most talents, many try to stay behind closed doors until they have perfected their craft due to embarrassment and insecurity. However, St. Louis offers many unique places for both those who are masters of their talent and those who are just starting the learning process for what they are trying to achieve. Whether one is looking for a general hobby like drawing or a specific activity like painting ceramic pieces, self-expression is both easy to find and highly encouraged at these locations.
TEN TRENDY PLACES TO GO
Learn more about uncommon locations to go to and experience art of different media in the St. Louis area City Museum
Open Wednesday to Sunday, the museum includes a children’s playground, funhouse, pavilion and sculptures. From two abandoned planes to salvaged bridges to miles of tile, the City Museum has collected items from all over St. Louis for people to come and see. “They give you free clay and you get to build sculptures and I had my cousins with me, who are 4 and 12 years old. They played in the jungle gym and the outdoor stuff is really cool. There’s also an indoor maze and you have to find treasure, that was fun. I would absolutely recommend it to other people because there’s so much to do there and it’s fun activities, it’s pretty affordable and you can be there all day,” junior Grace Stevenson said. (Source: Flickr)
(Source: Flickr)
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Contemporary Art Museum
The museum will feature “Clouds” starting on Jan. 20. This exhibit includes artwork from Louis Cameron who took photos of clouds every day and then layered them. The museum has special events most months. Find more information on their website.
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Laumeier Sculpture Park
A free attraction, Laumeier park is open from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset on a normal day. People can walk around outside and experience contemporary art. The current main exhibit is called New Territories: BRICS, 2015–19 and it focuses on how the world affects St. Louis. “I liked the way it was presented on a park trail that you walked around in the fresh air. It made it a little more special than walking in another museum. I would recommend it to other people that like large abstract sculptures and enjoy walking in parks,” senior Even Bernard said.
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(Source: Shutterstock)
Citygarden
See native Missouri trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers and wildflowers at Citygarden in St. Louis in the Gateway Mall. The garden includes a sculpture garden, a botanical garden and a city park. There is also a 14-foot long outdoor video wall that features movies, photography, art videos and sometimes Cardinal’s games at night.
The Fabulous Fox
The Fox is an indoor theater that shows concerts, ballets and plays. In the next few months, some shows will include “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles,” “Alton Brown Live” and “Disney’s The Lion King.” While at the Fox, check out the organ in the main auditorium. There are five like it in the world.
“I like that it’s pretty. The atmosphere is fancy and if I get to go there two times a year it’s cool because it’s different than normal. I would recommend it because it’s an experience but it’s like our little piece of Broadway,” sophomore Kimberlin Sargent said.
Source Flickr
Blueberry Hill
Located in the Loop, Blueberry Hill offers live music several nights a week and a wide variety of food. Chuck Berry, the father of rock ‘n’ roll, has performed here over 200 times. While there, also check out all the memorabilia, from Pez dispensers to
Star Wars to The Simpsons. “The food is really good and the atmosphere is really cool. Just the whole U. City Loop is cool. I would recommend it to other people because the food is good,” sophomore Kelly Burris said.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Muny
The U.S.’s oldest and largest outdoor music theater, the Muny will be in its 99th season in 2017. It offers seven different shows each summer, each about every other week. This past year it ranged from “The Wizard of Oz” to “Mamma Mia” to “Fiddler on the Roof.” “I went all summer long because I
had season tickets. I like it because you get exposed to all different kinds of shows and bring a lot of good actors and performances to show the area. I would recommend it because it’s a good experience to have and you get to see a cool culture,” jumior Maggie Cox said.
(Source: Flickr)
(Source: Flickr)
The Loop
Considered one of the top ten streets in the U.S. by the American Planning Association, the Loop offers many different experiences for all ages. Some of the experiences include the St. Louis Walk of Fame, art galleries, live music and many different food options. “I liked the amount of shops and stores gave it a welcoming feel. I would recommend it to other people due to the vast amount of places to eat and shop,” senoir Austin Woodson said.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Grove
A one-mile stretch with a wide range of businesses, the Grove is still growing and up and coming. There are places to dance, get coffee, shop, eat and even get a tattoo. The district is also home to several businesses that are proudly LGBT friendly.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Handy Work
Located on Main Street in St. Charles, My Handy Work is a place where people go and paint pictures. This includes different items, scenes and people, depending on what a person would like to do. In past months, a football jersey, a photo of a person and a Pokemon have been available. “It’s very creative and it’s very open to do whatever you would like. I would recommend it to other people because it’s a creative outlet and there are no boundaries on the art that you can do,” sophomore Patty O’Leary said.
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Partial owner, Meagan Scheier, scrapes the excess clay off of a customers project preparing it for the next step.
Plates among other things sit on the shelf at Painted Pot. There are many things you can paint at The Painted Pot like clay statues, plates, mugs and many other things.
Owner Donna Schreiter picks up a plate off a shelf among the hundreds of other clay statues and plates customers can choose from. The plate that was showcased could be turned into many things depending the way you few it. It could be a cat, or a penguin, and many other things. (Photos by Hannah Medlin)
Painting More Than Just Pots The Painted Pot is a 16-year-old art studio offering multiple styles of art for different artists by Alex Lane
they have to offer are different plates, animal pieces, vehicle sculptures and mugs. Customers paint the piece they chose with brushes and colors provided and then alexlanehockey@gmail.com | @ProdigyLane pay for it once they are finished. Once they are finished, they leave their art in the his artistic studio is a mother-daughter owned walk-in art studio, varying studio so the staff can kiln-fire the art, and it’s typically available a week later to from ceramics and glass fusing to just old-fashioned painting. Located pick up. at 3772 Monticello Plaza in St. Charles, anyone is welcome to go to the “I enjoyed doing the design such as putting dots and other patterns on it, and I studio. Whether they’re looking for a place to sit and paint with friends and family felt I could actually be creative for once,” junior Leah Chaney said. or they just want to get away on their own for a bit, the Painted Pot provides an Glass fusing is a unique way artists can express themselves at the studio. Artists outlet. Artist or not, they’ll find a design that meets the choose a glass template and cut colored pieces of glass to artist’s eye. make a design. Once that is complete, the studio puts the glass “We don’t mind if you’re here for one hour or three in the kiln. Once the kiln is done, they melt the glass again Find out more about the story weeks,” owner Donna Schreiter said. “That’s OK, we all so the flat glass elevates to a structure the artist would like. behind the work at different paces.” Recently, customers have fused their glass into bowls, vases Painted Pot at this People of all ages step foot into the Painted Pot, and platters. link: from children to adults and even families. Being a “It’s functional art,” Donna’s daughter Meagan Schreiter said. goo.gl/XfWdOZ walk-in art studio, customers can come in and paint “You start with a blank piece of glass and then come up with whenever they feel the need to. The tables set up in your own design to your liking.” the studio have brushes and different paints available ready to use and water The studio’s most recent addition for customers is “mixed media.” People can bowls for cleaning brushes. Workers walk around and check in frequently to make choose from canvas painting, collaging and scrapbooking. Artists get to sit down sure that each table is doing OK and to see if they need any painting tips or advice. and really be creative as they dig through papers that suit their liking and come “I like to see somebody who comes in and doesn’t think that they’re creative, up with a design or collage idea on their own. Mixed media is great for people who but then they walk out the door thinking and saying, ‘I did this, I created this,’” want to take their art home that same day. They are allowed to bring their work Donna said. “It’s just a good feeling on my end to feel.” home that day once they are satisfied. Ceramics is one of the many options offered at the Painted Pot. People walk in “As an artist, we can’t just do one thing,” Donna said. “That’s why we offer many and select a pre-made piece from a shelf full of different designs. Some designs different styles here in the studio.”
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A client at Third Friday heats up her glass bead glass and works on shaping it while it is still hot. The glass projects at Third Fridays generally cost $35 to make. Food and music are also available on Third Fridays.
A collection of blown glass ornaments made in Third Degree hang in a glass display for sale. The ornaments are one of many displays that are set up for their Third Friday open house. The displays are changed each month to coordinate with the season.
A Community OF creators
Art comes in many forms, and the Third Degree Glass Factory is no exception, with different forms of unique glass art housed within the factory by Paige Prinster
pepprin11@gmail.com @p_prinster
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nside an old re-purposed Pontiac dealership situated on Delmar Boulevard, an art gallery occupies a large room. Vibrantly colored glass pieces bring life to the studio. Each piece is unique, just like the community of artists behind them who have decided to call Third Degree Glass Factory their home. “I just want to stay here,” flameworker Eileen Wade said. “I just want to sleep under a table and spend more time here.” It all started when the founders of Third Degree, Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer, got a hold of the building 14 years ago. They then began to transform it into the three-studio factory that is known today, which includes flameworking, glassblowing and glass fusing. Individual artists and companies can rent out the studios, but they are mostly used by the artists at Third Degree. One of the factory’s main pieces is the art gallery that can be seen when entering the building, displaying works made in the studios. “This is all an art form, but it is all very scientific in the way the pieces are created,” staff member Nick Dunne said. “Knowing how to properly work with glass is difficult, and that’s where science comes in for the artists to be able to create these pieces.” One of the ways the company gives back to their artists is through Third Fridays. On Third Fridays, they hold an open house where visitors can come in for free and watch demonstrations and learn about glass art. Artists can work on clients’ items at Third Friday as a demonstration and it is one of the ways they get paid by Third Degree. “We are supporting our artists for the needs of our clients,” Dunne said. “It’s a way of giving back.” The studios are open to the Third Degree artists, which can give their glass workers freedom to create and learn new techniques at their own pace. “I’m being taken in a more creative direction,” Wade said. “I’m just mad I can’t buy my pieces. I’m able to create ideas that I have in my head in real life.” The Third Degree artists work together frequently, whether by coming up with ideas for pieces or by instructing one another on how they created one of their pieces. Some of the artists will even give away their art to their fellow artists as one of the ways they give back to each other. “I’ve never found a community where artists share ideas as much as this one,” Wade said. “This is a real community.”
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Want more on this topic? Follow this link to see more photos on the Third Degree Glass Company: goo.gl/ XjSDpqgl/da4924
The client glass blower, with assistance from an artist, rolls the heated glass in colored glass pieces, also known as frit, to add a design and add color to the glass on Third Friday. Clients are able to buy and take home their finished products afterward. (Photos by Kyra Peper)
A place to hone creativity The Center of Creative Arts, COCA, offers classes in the arts to help students improve in the subjects they find the most intriguing by Anna Lindquist
arts at a young age and see if any of those classes are of interest to them as well as help them with development. ood and glass coat the outside “In the visual arts, there are minute things of this modern-style building, that aren’t really thought of,” Ashley said. “For catching passing eyes. The warm the younger students, teaching them how to environment is inviting to the students who do a sandfold in paper or how to use a ruler choose to attend the Center of Creative seems really simple and straightforward, but Arts, COCA, in the St. Louis area. Filled it can actually be a challenge in some ways. with numerous studios, workshops and So, this gives them a basic foundation on classrooms, it gives anyone who attends what things you might not think about are helpful. they need to succeed in their interested field. They are things as simple as having really Offering classes that range from ballet to good handwriting to teach them that motor theatre to art and design, it embodies one of skill and to teach them that appreciation of their many slogans: “Arts education, evolved.” knowing the stroke order a letter should be “From the classes I took, it was an written in. This lets those students build on atmosphere full of people that generally those skills and value drawing at a young fit what I like in people,” age.” UPCOMING EVENTS While the classes are said to sophomore Emily Butler said. “They were my BY COCA STUDENTS benefit the students who take people. They were people them, some consider it to be who enjoyed the arts as expensive. They cost between Momentum Hip Hop much as I did.” $50-$200 for classes that can Performance With the variety of span from going a few times Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. classes they offer, they in one week to a few times in allow students to choose three weeks. Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. the classes that appeal to “I believe that the money them the most within the was worth it,” Emily’s dad Elephant and Piggie arts. COCA offers 75-100 Jason Butler said. “She was Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. classes in a given year in able to get good mentoring Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. various fields that can help and training from people who students explore interests knew what they were talking that they might want to expand in the future about, and she was able to learn new things for careers. that were a benefit to her. She was also able “If you’re really great at dance you might to meet people who related to her because make it in that field or you might find ways they liked the same things she did.” to incorporate that in other fields of study,” In school, the stigma around classes visual arts teacher Hope Ashley said. “For is very different when compared to the some students, it definitely can send you on a classes that COCA offers, according to Emily. career path, and for other students, I think it’s Many students believe that some classes a really great way to explore and learn about are a waste of time at school, while the yourself as a learner and what you enjoy. atmosphere is different at COCA. Naturally, it can benefit you in other areas.” “I went in wanting to learn something new Some classes require younger students and to grow as an artist, and I think that to take a prerequisite class aimed toward gave me a good outlook on the class,” Emily teaching those younger students the basics said. “It wasn’t like taking a class at school. in the subject they want to take. This allows Having the desire to make myself better was them the opportunity to be introduced to the important in wanting to go learn.” alindquist709@gmail.com | @annalindquistt
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A student performs in the production of Akeelah and the Bee at COCA on Nov. 4. COCA puts on plays throughout the year for young students to audition and participate in. (Photo submitted)
SPECIAL EDITION | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ANNA LINDQUIST
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CALL TO ACTION
Art has its place in society and in culture, a place that many consider crucial and irreplaceable. For many, it serves to help people feel better, help people express themselves. Art is everywhere, beautifying everything. In a more practical light, doing art allows people to practice their creativity, an ability that can come to be useful for problem solving. In this issue, we’ve discussed the dancers, singers, makeup artists, photographers, storytellers here at FHN. Now we leave you with this coloring page, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, for you to have a chance to do some art. Color in this page and tweet us a picture of your best design to @FHNToday by January 13 for a chance to win a prize. (Art by Heeral Patel)