By Owen Lewis
Many classes are restrictive, requiring students to use intricate procedures and precise formulas. They consist of a 43-minute lecture each day, with little room for questions or relaxation. Creativity seems ever-more scarce in math and science courses. A department that goes against the grain is the Art Department, which has many classes to offer, and is one of the more diverse departments at East. There is a required Art credit that every student takes during their four years here, and under that requirement falls Design Drawing for Production (DDP), studio art, and woodworking, among other classes. There’s something for everyone to fulfill the requirement — over my three and a half years here, I’ve taken DDP and Photography. These classes are more technical than, say, your typical English or Science class. They also maintain a measure of creativity, however — while specific skills in design or the darkroom are taught, imagination reigns when projects are assigned. Additionally, there is often room in these classes to brainstorm and truly think about how to approach a project.
Mrs. Sandra Creahan, a Photography and Studio in Art teacher, had much to say about the classes that the department offers, which include Photography (both intro and AP), drawing, painting, sculpture & ceramics, graphic design, and AP Art are available to students. Mrs. Creahan stated that when students meet or exceed the criteria and expectations for a project, their work is featured on the wall for classmates and other peers to admire. Many projects by Photography and Art students were displayed at Winterfest several weeks ago.
Mrs. Creahan is constantly impressed with what her students produce; when asked what impressed her the most, she responded with a laugh, “Everything.” She went on to say that their qualities of creativity and talent stand out in particular.
The Art Department is a place in which students’ creative minds are free to wander. Restrained only by the loose guidelines of projects, Flames create astonishing paintings, pottery, pictures, and sketches every day. And it all happens in a few quiet classrooms.
