Art show represents hard work, creativity

Horace said, “A picture is a poem without words.”

If that is the case, then there is a lot of poetry happening at Wasilla High School.

The first collaboration between Kaladi Brothers Coffee and the Wasilla High School art department has produced an art show. The event kicked off last Saturday with a celebration of the pieces selected by Wasilla High art students, and the art will be on display until Oct. 25 at Kaladi Brothers.

It’s a wonderful thing when the community embraces the talent of its youth. Wasilla High has produced stars of every profession, and it is likely to produce the next Picasso or Cassatt, judging by the promise shown by students featured in the upcoming art show.

Through its generosity, Kaladi Brothers is giving these young artists a chance to step outside of the classroom and show their art pieces to the public.

“I’m excited that people in the community can actually see our work,” said Jessi Marman, a WHS junior and featured artist in the show.

It is motivating for students to have mentors and active listeners in the administration. Young people are encouraged to express themselves freely in Wasilla’s art program, which is ideal if true creativity is to blossom.

“I really enjoy it … you can do your own thing without being frowned upon,” Marmen said.

That is not to say the classes have no structure.

While sitting in on the classes, I was impressed by the focused attitudes of the students. In many classrooms, note passing and texting can become an issue. But in art, students are excited to get to work. When students are not silently concentrating on their pieces, a happy buzz descends upon the class, as students swap tips and admire each other’s work.

As someone who creates art as a hobby, I know personally how beneficial it can be. Instead of engaging in unhealthy and sometimes illegal activities, students are encouraged to channel their emotional struggles into beautiful and thought-provoking works of art. Adolescence is a confusing time, and an emotional roller coaster. Art is one way to deal with emotional turmoil, as well as a celebration.

It is rare to see an unhappy face in the art room. it is a bright and open space, filled with vibrant colors and positive energy.

Many students take art continuously throughout high school.

Brooke Morgan, a senior and fifth-year art student said art has “…always been a part of me. I keep coming back.”

Some of Morgan’s work will be displayed in the upcoming show. Other featured artists from the senior class include Alexa Wolf and Jarod Grice.

“Out of all the schools I’ve been at … this is the strongest program I’ve been a part of, with a lot of support from administration,” said Allison Little, a second-year art teacher at WHS.

Little is dedicated to encouraging creativity and hard work in her students, and her dedication seems to be rewarded in the beautiful pieces that result. It is with teachers like Little and encouragement from administration that students can truly shine.

I strongly encourage readers to support young talent by visiting the art exhibit and enjoying some delicious Kaladi coffee! I am sure you will be blown away by the art displayed. The exhibit runs from Sept. 25-Oct. 25.

Rachel Clark is a student at Wasilla High School and contributes the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman schools section.