Many people may say that taking an art class isn’t important or isn’t useful for a student’s future. There is a strong stigmatism around art classes being a waste of time for students. At Hastings High,, there are over 10 art classes offered to students. Some students take full advantage by acquiring as many art classes as they can throughout their career, while some only take one or two.
There are students at Hastings High that feel the classes they are taking are worth their time and satisfying.
“I don’t think art classes get in the way of anyone’s future: I think it helps people become more creative and exercise a different part of their brain, I am in beginning pottery right now and I love it. It’s a time for me just to relax and focus on my pots with a little less stress.”
Senior Kristen Valle is currently taking her first and only art class.
“I’ve wanted to take pottery since sophomore year and now I’m finally getting a chance to take it,” Valle said.
Sophomore Gabby Kelly is another student who loves her art classes. Kelly has taken three art classes throughout her high school career and plans to take many more.
“I consider myself pretty good at art so I do pretty well in the classes and it’s easy for me to get an A while doing something I love,” Kelly said.
For Kelly, her art classes are an outlet for her: a time to express who she truly is.
“For me, art classes are like my outlet. I love taking them and it gives me time just to relax and do what I love,” Kelly said.
For art teacher Mrs. Prickett, teaching art classes has brought her much joy and many rewards.
“I think one of the best parts about my job is getting to build awesome relationships with my students while doing what I love every day,” Prickett said.
Prickett does not believe that taking an art class is a waste of time.. She in fact thinks the exact opposite.
“All of the 20th century skills that are out there that employers are looking for, such as the ability to work and get along with others, problem solving abilities, and to work outside of the box, are all things that are taught in a typical art class,” Prickett said.
All in all, students like Valle and Kelly and art teachers alike find the art classes offered here are very useful and applicable, and most importantly, enjoy them.
