Art club is something that you might have heard around the school or even seen. The JROTC paintings? The community room paintings? Maybe the softball fence? All art club’s.
Art club has done all this and more throughout the year, seemingly working in the background. They have done a lot for the community of both the school and the overall town of Marion.
Along with doing things for the community, they also are able to help each other in the setting of The Art Club. Mr. Hanke agrees with this, saying: “I’d say another thing is offering a community of bouncing ideas off of one another that's one of the nice things about hanging out with other artists and not feeling threatened by other artists. Just kinda helping other artists and pushing people into directions they didn't think they would go.”
The history of Art Club predates even Mr. Miller. “The teacher I took over for 21 years ago had an art club so I just kept doing it and it's just always been here,” said Miller.
Art Club means different things to different people. Hanke said: “I think our club is important because it gives students a chance to flex their creative muscles, maybe in a way they wouldn't ordinarily have a opportunity to do so.” Mr. Miller likes that Art Club "promotes the enjoyment of art for as many kids as we can and be active in the community.” And for students, Art Club could mean everything to them.
Theo Meek, a passionate member of the Art Club, says “I feel like it’s a environment where people are able to express themselves and create art in a way that reflects person identity.”
The good thing about art club is even if it’s a very hands-on activity, you don’t have to be so passionate about it. Mr. Hanke confirmed this, saying “...but even for people that are not as passionate, there's still room for them too and I think that's good, because sometimes maybe you're just not in a place in life were you are super passionate and excited but you’re getting exposed to different ideas and activities that you’ll be happy to be a part of.”
Mr. Hanke would also like to say that “ people can be part of the Art Club without being in an art class which is great especially if you can't fit art into your schedule.”
Mr. Hanke’s final statement was “This club is getting back on its feet, and I feel like the momentum is uphill. Miller and I are bouncing ideas off each other about fundraisers. I feel the art club is going to grow in the upcoming years.”
Art Club is every Wednesday between 2:30 till 4:00 pm in Mr. Miller's room 238, and you can just show up to join. Go flex those creative muscles!