Teachers Leonard Fox and Primus Russell have collaborated to put on an art show that displays the very best student work from the first semester.
Students proudly showed their artwork as TJ brought an old tradition back. Artwork by Tori Wallace. Student artwork courtesy of Hayley Falana and Mr. Fox and Mr. Russel
From December 11 through the 13, TJ’s Community Room was willed with unique pieces of art, ranging from self-portraits to ceramic creations and metal masterpieces. Color-coded by class (Levels 1, 2, and 3), folding displays with paper backdrops housed all of the drawings, while tables in the center and against the walls held the metalwork and ceramic pieces.
According to Fox and Russell, there hasn’t been a TJ art show in many years. “We decided to do the art show to really show the students’ work off,” said Fox. According to Russell, students were told at the beginning of the year about the show, and were able to create art over the whole semester that could have potentially been included in the show. Sophomore Pamela Mortel had a couple of her drawings on display. “It took about a week for each drawing,” stated Mortel. “It’s great and it’s an honor (having a piece in the show). I think it was really cool because it’s nice to see everyone’s artwork and their artistic abilities.” The art show wasn’t just for displaying some of TJ students’ best work, though. Many pieces from the ceramics section were up for sale, a choice each student made before the show. Russell stated, “This is a show and sale. Students were encouraged to sell their work if they wanted to.” If they did decide to sell, Russell let them do what they wanted with the profit. “I gave kids the opportunity to do one of two things: they could donate some of the money that they made toward materials, or they could keep the money. It’s up to the students, since they were the ones to create the art. I think they’re entitled to keep it if they choose.”
Though the art show for the first semester is over, the art program is far from done with this year’s showcases. “There will definitely be another art show here in the second semester,” said Fox. “There will be a spring show, and I believe it’s scheduled for April 8th. They’re usually three-night events, with two night shows, and it’s also open during the afternoon for students to see.” Like this past show, Russell and Fox are working to have the next show run in conjunction with the choir and band concerts. If April seems like too far away for the next good dose of art, never fear. “For Drawing and Painting, we’re scheduled to have a show at Whole Foods in February, so that display will be up for a month,” states Fox. This display will be smaller: only 15 to 16 pieces will be on display, but Fox is optimistic about displaying more work. “As we get a chance to network in the community, we’ll try to get the students’ work out more and more.”
For the first art show in several years, Fox and Russell have said that they’re happy with the results. By reaching out to programs within TJ and the community as a whole, Fox and Russell have started what seems to be a successful, fun event for both performing and visual students alike. Through the combination with the coir and band for their two night shows, the arts programs have been able to showcase all of their talents as well as setting down roots in the community.
