Over the summer, the Tomorrow River High School had finished the expansion project. One component within the new building and expansion was the new and improved Art Room. Ms. Kaycie is the high school art teacher and has been extremely excited for this project for a long time.
Firstly, Ms. Kaycie was able to have some helping hands to set up her classroom, allowing it to be the first new classroom to be fully ready when school started. How many students and how long did it take to get the room ready?
“I would say about six students in two to three different weeks,” Ms. Kaycie said. “They also received volunteer hours for their work.”
Due to the large dimensions of the space, there is now plenty of storage and counter space for peak organization. Some side rooms were even specifically made for the Art Room, such as the large storage space, kiln, and clay room. Ms. Kaycie also has space to expand her studio.
“Now we have the correct lighting for still life drawings, enough space to keep things organized, and flexible seating for custom classes,” Ms. Kaycie said. She is also planning for the future. “I’d love to be able to offer more classes with the new space — like ceramics, still life, and maybe digital drawing at some point.”
The art teacher isn’t the only one excited for the big change. All students but primarily art students are ecstatic for this addition. The Art Room is a place where students can expand their creativity beyond the realm inside their heads.
Two students who are prevalent within the world of art were happy to share their thoughts. They were asked about their overall opinion on the new Art Room.
Senior Julez Peterson was quick to reply, “I think the new Art Room is amazing. It brings a new sense of creativity to the school and gives artists a safe place to express themselves.”
Senior Olivia Davis replied, “I love the new Art Room. I think that there is a lot of room, and it’s more comfortable than it was before, which I like a lot.”
Holding a safe space for any individual is very important, and to continue to provide that in a new way is inspiring. Certain aspects really stand out to art students.
“My favorite part about the new Art Room is how much more space there is to get messy,” Julez said.
“My favorite part about the Art Room is the comfortable chairs and the lighting above the tables,” Olivia added. “I like that the lighting doesn’t get too bright and is easy to work with while working on a project.”
Artists also tend to have their favorite subject within art that they like to do, so it’s not surprising that they are also planning for future projects in the new Art Room.
Keeping up her enthusiasm, Julez said, “Something I’m looking forward to doing in the new Art Room is to create messes and leave my mark.”
Olivia said, “I’m looking forward to working on my project for VAC in the new Art Room. I think I’ll be able to get lots of work done.”
Overall, students and staff alike both seem to enjoy the new space which will bring new possibilities in the art route.
