Student art on display

Local student artists have spent hundreds of hours learning and creating individual artwork. Nine of these students will display their works at the Whatcom Museum of History & Art as part of an exhibition titled, A Promising Future, on display now through April 27.

Instructor Brian Smith, in his written artist statement, said that creativity does not rely upon technique or skill. “Rather, it is characterized by originality, expressiveness, and imagination,” he said. “The artist must be able to deny the known in order to discover the unique expression of their creative process.”

Smith said the high school art room is a place for exploration and experimentation and it is there that students have the opportunity to work with a variety of media and techniques.

“They discover first hand how different materials create unique effects. Art is a unique means of communication,” he stated.

Student Tiffany Oakley used metal wire to create her piece of art. “My piece, entitled Capillary, embodies different connections under one central theme. The fact that a capillary is a miniature vein relates directly to the sculptures diminutive stature,” she said.

Another student, Nathan Karuza, is on display with piece called Simply Charming, which he created in acrylic. “This piece is similar in process and painting style to my earlier paintings. The process seems to always start with a frustration in laying it out. Gradually it becomes more natural as the painting progresses,” he said.

The style and process is something that comes naturally to him and that is what ties this painting to his others. “My recent paintings start by taking pictures of my community,” he said. “The pictures I look for are ones that involve human interaction with the world such as cars and buildings.”

A special reception for Blaine high school student artists will be held on April 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Whatcom Museum in honor of these students.

On April 25, the students will spend the day with regional artists and art professionals at the Museum’s Art Career Day. Representatives from regional colleges will be on hand to answer questions about art programs, entrance requirements, and financial assistance.

The exhibit showcases the achievements of art students at all Whatcom County high schools including Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Lynden Christian, Meridian, Mount Baker, Options, Nooksack, Sehome, Squalicum, Timber Ridge and Wellspring Community.

A Promising Future and Art Career Day are funded in part by a grant from Target Stores. The Whatcom Museum of History of Art is located at 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Call the museum at 676-6981 for more information.

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