From the live music to the artists classroom demonstrations, there was a new energy to the art show this year. The art teachers attribute some of that to new hire Joe McLaughlin at Windham High School.
“A new art teacher – that makes a
difference. He brings a new energy. He’s excited about the program and the students
like what he’s doing and offering,” said art teacher Jeff Bell.
The format for the art show was the same
with the majority of the high school art in the front lobby and the
kindergarten through eighth grade in the hallways and auditorium of Windham High
School (WHS). Opening night on Monday featured the third grade chorus and the
Windham Chamber Singers.
“Every single possible period [the art
teachers] can teach, they are,” said WHS principal Christopher Howell. “They
have built a program to meet student needs in every type of class.” Next year
the school will offer a wood sculpture class.
“I like to see the progression K to 12,”
said McLaughlin. “My projects are very student centered.” He encourages the
students to use their pets, camps and more for inspiration and as a way to
engage them.
This year there were more instillation
pieces and audio visual art from the AP studio art class. Three columns painted
and designed by senior Tegan Bradley took center stage in the foyer. The new
way collections were presented gave the show a fresh feel, like the work displayed
in a cabinet lined with candles by artist Abigayle Hodgman.
“It’s a true celebration of young
artists together with performing arts. It’s the community coming together to
show support for the arts,” said Windham Middle School art teacher Heather
Libby. “It showcases dedication and talent from grades kindergarten to 12th.”
Two pieces of art by Holden Willard and
Abigail Connor which were displayed at the Portland Museum of Art were back in Windham
in time for the show. Lauren Barrett had a talented collection of drawings and
pictures of horses. Other new displays were clay cactus pots and ceramic
plates.
Manchester art teacher Angelika
Blanchard worked for 25 hours to get the show ready for opening night. “We’ve
got to be the biggest art show in the state,” she said.
WHS art teacher Kim Chasse noted the
tattoo work photographs, anchored by artist statements about the work. “With
the explosion of body art, we wanted to create an awareness around the idea of
tattooing,” Chasse said. In those pieces there is photography compositional
skills and photography as art as well as making the artist think about what
they are doing, which is an important skill for those who are going into art
programs in college, he added.
“I love the art show,” said parent Megin
Hatch. “It’s like the most wonderful time of the year for me.”
Artists Yelani Stieg – a senior (blonde)
and Melanie Clark, a freshman, show off their skills at the annual RSU14 art
show.
Chamber singers Will Wheaton and Sam
Barry practice in front of quilling done by second graders.
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