The Habersham Central Fine Art’s Department held their first Fine Arts Night on March 30. The evening featured choral, band and drama performances as well as visual art exhibitions by local high school students. Throughout the evening guests traveled the halls of Habersham Central High School viewing a variety of artwork and events.
The evening kicked off in rousing fashion with the high school cast of the spring musical Footloose performing one of their show-stopping numbers. The show is now in rehearsal, under the watchful eye of drama teacher Jeremy Bishop. Bishop was on hand Tuesday to welcome those gathered.
A treasure hunt of talent
Fine Arts Night events were divided into sections. Attendees were given programs with schedules of who was performing when and where. It came off like a treasure hunt with a map to guide you and gems of talent on display.
The cafeteria hosted solo and duet performances by singers and drama students along with monologue presentations. In the Upper Lobby, two different murals were unveiled at two different time periods. The Band room was home to Band of Blue performances as well as a Baritone Quartet and and a vocal performance with piano accompaniment. The Chorus Room was home to small ensemble and All-State Solo performances. HCHS Choral Director BJ Addison even invited guests to practice their sight reading skills alongside students while singing the HCHS Alma Mater and If Ye Love Me by songwriter Thomas Tallis. The Main Lobby showcased student drawings and paintings which were visible to guests walking through the building’s visual arts section.
Custommade jewelry was on sale in the PAC Lobby and students Megan Hutchinson and Kyra Shalikashvili presented the work that is currently in their AP Art portfolios in Dr. Kerr’s Art Room. In Jill Gallagher’s room there was a photography display and wheel throwing demonstrations. And an art installation was there for guests to enjoy. In other area of the school the Drama Department’s one act production of Cagebirds captured the audiences’ attention.
Why celebrating the arts is important
Art students work hard honing their talent and skills, but with so much else happening in schools they and their artwork can often be overlooked. That’s one reason Tuesday’s event was so special. HCHS’ Fine Arts Night gave students a chance to share their work with the public and shine.
HCHS senior Alexandra Fuetterer and junior Amy Cooper manned the jewelry booth that featured handcrafted pieces. They say Fine Arts Night is important to students. “I feel like it’s a way for people to express themselves and to hang out with friends and their parents and loved ones and show them their talents,” says Cooper. Fuetterer agrees. “I think it’s great that we’re bringing awareness to the fine arts in our school because a lot of time you don’t see that in public school systems.”
Three other students who relished the fun, inspirational evening were Habersham Ninth Grade Academy freshmen Jennifer Garcia and Jasa Tench. They showed up to support their classmate and friend Elizabeth Hughes who’s in the cast of FootlPictuoose.
“It brings everyone together,” says Tench. “It brings the art people together and the drama people and the chorus people and the band.” Hughes says that camaraderie is great but she’d like to see more participation from the community. “You work so hard and you want to do a good job for whoever comes but you’d always rather have a full house than a half empty house.” Hughes says it would be nice if a lot of people came to Footloose and other artistic events. Although school’s winding down there are still several opportunities left for people in the community to do that.
Upcoming Habersham Central High School Events
- The spring musical Footloose will be presented on Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. A Sunday performance will also be performed on May 3 at 2 p.m.
- A Spring Chorus Show will take place on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. by the HCHS Choral Department.
- The Spring Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 7 PM.
A final thought: FINE ARTS ARE IMPORTANT
Art gives students a platform to express themselves beyond words and connect to the world on a different level. Art represents the finer things in life, explores the deeper meaning of life and gives us all something to which to aspire. Art entertains and inspires.
Fine Arts Night at Habersham Central spotlighted the fact that there are many talented students and teachers in Habersham County. It was a reminder to all who attended that the fine arts are important. These students are developing and sharing their talent through drama, chorus, crafts, photography, sculpture, painting and band. Some will find their future in the arts while others will make it their hobby. Regardless, it’s clear, what these students are learning and creating today will have an impact on their lives long after their high school days are over.
Fine Arts Night 2015 Gallery
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