The CHIEF December 2021

Art Class By: Ava Nollen

The art classroom is a room tucked away in the LACC wing of PTHS. As you enter the room, it starts as a short little hallway opening up to a big room, filled with the crafts the students are cultivating under the watchful eye of Mr. Vogt. In the corner of the room, in front of the pottery kiln, is a little table with four seats at it. Occupying three of the seats are Nolan Verdun, Brady Donovan, and Emma O’Lone. An unlikely mix in Art 1, these people show the versatility of art and creativity. Nolan graciously offered me a pencil for note taking, and proceeded to explain that he decided to incorporate more creative classes into his school schedule, as he is passionate about math, science, and computers, and so those classes fill most of his day. He is incredibly talented at those STEM subjects, and is working to evolve his artistic side. He was sure to remind me as a senior in Art 1, that he was also a chosen Illinois State Scholar. Go Nolan! Brady Donavan beams as he tells me to take a picture of his artwork, a perspective drawing of a western town. Unfortunately, I only had pencil and paper, not a yearbook camera. Brady is a junior at PTHS, and is involved in fine art electives such as Art 1 and Spanish. He says that he is taking Art to help prepare him for college. Brady is a passionate member of the football team. Emma explains to me her project, a street view of Japan, pointing out the characteristics of the yen sign on a bank, and other thorough details the students must add to make their perspective drawings their own. As someone deficient in drawing, it amazes me how individual art can be. Emma is a senior, heavily involved in fine arts as a Madrigal singer and superb flute player. She shared that she decided to take art because it is fun, and brings out creativity in her that she didn’t know she had. A sporty guy, a tech whiz, and a musician all at one table. It’s like something out of The Breakfast Club ! This goes to show art transcends all stereotypes. My biggest regret? Not participating in the artistic opportunities offered here at PTHS.

Brady Donovan

Emma O'Lone

Nolan Verdun