Photographs, ceramics, installations, acrylic paintings, performance pieces and more can be viewed through Nov. 22 at the Corvus Art Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall, which is displaying an exhibition showing the creative work of Lab’s art teachers.
This exhibition gives the fine arts teachers a chance to foster their artistic talent and showcase their creative work while connecting with students from elementary through high school.
Ana Romero, U-High art teacher and co-chair of the fine arts department, planned this event and also contributed an acrylic painting of her own that depicts her two sons. She believes the purpose of this exhibition goes beyond showcasing the teachers’ ability to create art but also to promote art in younger students and encourage them to pursue their interests.
Ms. Romero said she asked the art teachers why they do the work they do and every answer involved people talking about what they used to do when they were kids.
“So if anything,” Ms. Romero said, “I think it can help show and demonstrate that whatever it is that you think and feel you like as a kid, no matter how old you are, keep doing it because you just don’t know where it can take you.”
Through teaching art classes, Ms. Romero finds appreciation for art in each of her students — yet another reason it is relevant for students to appreciate art shows such as this.
“It is good to know what attracts you, what you like: food flavors, colors, sound, clothing,” Ms. Romero said. “Kids should come just to add to their own development what sparks their curiosity.”
The exhibition opened Oct. 4 with a performance by three of the Laboratory Schools’ drama educators: Audra Budrys, Ryan Wantland and Lydia Milman-Schmidt. The performance included three acts from Ms. Budrys, a presentation of previous sets by Mr. Wantland, and a talk about advocating for parents in art from Ms. Schmidt.
Ms. Budrys said that the intended impact on students is for them to enjoy it and to build community through live events.
“We just want to foster the sense of community around the arts at Lab,” Ms. Budrys said.
Through the arts faculty exhibition, students gain a new perspective on their teachers, who get an opportunity to showcase and build their creative work.
