What Happened:
Although the year 2020 was very dull and gray, Washington Township High School’s hallways have seen a sudden burst of colorful artwork as students become inspired to create.
While students were stuck at home doing their classes online due to COVID-19, many found themselves using their boredom in creative ways. Students found ways to create art using the materials they had while at home. It was a fun activity that caused many students all over Washington Township to take interest in new art styles and projects.
Some students painted for hours, some became interested in sculpting, others took up wood building, and more. While all the students created art in their own unique ways, it was clear that quarantine allowed students to explore new artistic possibilities that made them happier while stuck at home.
When the second semester of school was approaching, many students added art classes to their schedules to continue to enjoy their new interests while also earning credit. The variety of art classes offered, such as AP art, independent art, painting, ceramics, etc., allowed many students to explore new artistic techniques in a safe, in-person manner.
As the days went by, the COVID-19 conditions at Washington Township allowed for the students to come back to school in person if they wished to do so. Students, with their new artistic mindsets, kept the creativity flowing even while at school.
What’s Happening
Throughout the second semester of the school year, Washington Township students far and wide have used their creativeness to make going to school more fun.
High schoolers have a wide variety of classes that they can take, which has led to a variation of new art that lines the hallways. With just a short walk through Washington Township’s hallways, you will find art at every corner and in almost every classroom.
In the main hallway of the school, the showcase exhibits pieces created by students who volunteered their art to be put on display. You can view art creations including color wheel circles, symbolism canvases, superhero drawings, culture pieces, and more!
High school students are not the only ones to have taken up in the new art craze. Middle school students at Washington Township have been becoming more and more creative when it comes to art. While these young students develop their minds, this creative outlet is a perfect way to discover new passions while having fun with friends. Being creative is a great task that will benefit all the students later in life, even if it is just creating paper mache birds out of recycled bottles.
Student Spotlight
This school year has been an odd transition for all students at Washington Township, but some students have been in the art program for years and are happy to see how the program has grown.
Senior Makenna Cash explained that creating art has helped her overcome many challenges in life.
“I would paint how I felt, what I thought, what was going on. Everything and anything I felt turned into a drawing or painting of sorts and as life progressively got harder my art became more meaningful to me. It was a way of saying how I felt without having to actually say it,” said Cash.
Art works as an escape for the mind and allows for the mind to take a break from the stresses of the pandemic. This creative break is why Washington’s art program is thriving!
“When I paint or draw, I never start with any type of plan, just an idea in mind and I go for it,” says Cash.
Other students, such as Sydney Sweitzer, also say that art happens freely. Everyone is unique in their own way which is why everyone will create unique pieces of art.
“It's relaxing. I can do whatever I want, and the inspiration just comes to me. It's a feeling.” said Sweitzer.
Students like Cash and Sweitzer create artwork that inspires art students at Washington Township with new ideas. Their work gives others plans regarding new mediums, different designs, and more. The art program would not be where it is today without students such as Cash and Sweitzer to inspire others to create artwork for their own individual purposes and feelings.
Teacher Spotlight:
Sandy Walla is an art teacher at Washington Township High School as well as one of the leaders in the Fine Arts Academic Team.
Walla has been the art teacher at Washington Township for many years and has never seen art blown up in her school the way it has in the past year.
The implications caused by COVID-19 have made certain aspects of art classes difficult due to social distancing. Students are not able to share any artistic tools without proper cleaning by Walla or the other students in her classes.
However, the flexibility of art has allowed for growth during the restricting times because all students can create something new by using materials brought from home.
She believes that art is a wonderful field to go into because it provides endless possibilities.
“There are a lot more opportunities in art careers. Designing, architecture, graphic arts, you name it! With colleges becoming more art-based, our Indiana art programs have flourished,” said Walla.
These newly found hobbies in the arts can leave students with more than just a new creative piece of artwork.
“There are also many small businesses in Valparaiso that display and buy student artwork. It is a great way for our students to start off their art careers while also supporting our community. Crafting is a great way to light up life during the pandemic," said Walla.