If you were to put the entire Latin student population in a room and ask them what came to mind when you said the word “art,” the students would likely picture traditional artistic tools: pencils, paper, markers, et cetera. But while drawing and painting are forms of artistic expression, they are far from the only ones.
At Latin, many artists’ creativity spans beyond just ink on paper or paint on a canvas. While these students may not attract the same crowds as sports games, they, too, have spent most of their lives dedicated to their craft.
Sophomores Keelyn Smey and Jackson Hirsh and junior Allegra Cerda are all artists who participate in a variety of artistic practices both inside and outside of school.
Keelyn, a dancer, actor, singer, painter, and designer, has participated in several dance performances like Dance Company’s annual showcase, theatre performances like “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Shrek: The Musical,” and also various musical performances. “To me, art is [a] creative expression,” she said. “It is meant to evoke emotions.”
Jackson plays the guitar, writes songs, and is a cover singer on stage. He has participated in a variety of musical performances, including opening for Coheed and Cambria (an American Progressive Rock Band formed in 1995) on the radio station Q101 Chicago. Along with computer science teacher and rock band member Bobby Oommen, Jackson played a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner” at the annual Latin-Parker basketball game at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Allegra is a visual artist who draws and crochets. She likes to tell stories through her art in a graphic novel style. She expresses her art and allows other artists to do the same through different galleries and showcases. “Art is an expression made manifest,” Allegra said. “I think it can be a variety of things, but it's some version of how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking for others to view and experience as well.”
Unfortunately, not all art is appreciated and celebrated equally. “I feel like there is not much of a space for people who practice the arts,” Keelyn said. “Especially since a lot of people do a lot and express a lot just to get so little in return.”
Many different possibilities can be seen for the solution of how Latin can honor the arts more efficiently. “I like the idea that [sophomore] Carla [Di Silvestro] had to have an artist of the week, like the athlete of the week,” Keelyn said. “Like a singer or dancer or actor to give an extra spotlight to ensure that they are seen and appreciated.”
Another way of promoting student artists is through clubs. Latin already has a variety of clubs that allow artists like Keelyn, Jackson, and Allegra to express their distinct artistic minds.
Allegra, as a crocheter, appreciates the Latin Yarn Club. She feels that it is an effective place for artists interested in hands-on material and yarning to let go and just create.
Jackson has another take on the culture of Latin by calling out the reality of how the school treats hard-working artists.
“I think Latin provides an extraordinary amount of opportunities to practice music—band, chorus, et cetera,” he said. “But to the larger student body, it is minimized.”
