Several of the visual arts classes have been hard at work on the art department’s most recent public art project. The computer graphics, ceramics, Art II, AP Studio Art, and even the National English Honor Society are taking part.

At the heart is Mrs. Tracey Ellis-Guss and her photography classes. The project’s main focus is about creating art that connects all students in the school. Each item is 6 x 6 inches and creates a large mosaic on the wall across from the attendance office.

The grand opening of the project is scheduled for May 20 from 6 pm-7:15 pm. The public works display is free, and refreshments will be served. The Miltenberger Jazz Ensemble  will perform at 7:30. Tickets for the music performance are $10.

Ellis-Guss initiated a similar project two years ago when her students displayed portrait photos of 600 students on the walls in the cafeteria. After its success, she decided take on a new public project.  This one is more ambitious because it incorporates more diverse elements.

“I think it is important to display the art the students make because it connects the students, school, and community,” Ellis-Guss said.

Mrs. Guss had the idea to use photographs to tie everything together into an overarching theme.

Students of all classes created six-inch by six-inch works of art. The medium and subject are up to the artist.

Ceramics students have submitted tiles of various animals; NEHS members have created black-out poetry, and computer graphics students made apple renderings.

Ellis-Guss’s  photography classes have been focusing on specific subjects to cohesively blend all mediums and themes; in Photography I,  hands were the subject, while higher level photo classes narrowed in on eyes and faces.