As the first semester comes to a close, students who have been working hard on their art projects get ready for their work to be shown in the Winter Art Show, featuring work from Middle School students in the first trimester, and Upper School students from the first semester. The art show opened Thursday, Dec. 3 at 3pm. It took place in the Harry M. Drake Gallery.

With over sixty students, Marty Nash, Department Chair of Fine Arts has put many hours  of effort into putting artwork up in the show along with the other faculty. Nash spoke about the importance of having a specific design for the gallery.

“Hanging a show is just like making art because you are creating an installation and it’s extremely important where each piece goes.” Nash said.

Nash also explained the challenge of having to choose only one piece from each student, because students have multiple products by the end of the semester.

“I choose the work so that it’s not just a very strong work, but it holds together and gives variety and depth to the exhibition.” Nash said.

The art ranged from pottery made by seventh graders, to full scale paintings made by seniors. Senior Ingrid Topp-Johnson decided for her last year to study a new medium and having her work up for the last time.

“It’s nice to get a sort of completion, with this being my last year here. It’s cool for me because I’ve switched up what medium I do every year, and this year I have a piece of photography in the show although I consider myself primarily a textile artist,” Topp-Johnson said. “So it’s interesting to see one vision of my art in the gallery but also with the background knowledge of everything that isn’t.” Topp-Johnson said.

Topp-Johnson has spent a lot of time in the Fine Arts Department, also involved in the theater program at SPA.

Many Middle and Upper school students lined up after school to see their art hanging in the gallery. Many of whom walk around pointing out their work excitedly.

“We have a goal of completing works that we would be proud to have in an exhibition and also be a part of all of the other student’s process. Just by having work up, since there is a piece from every student, they know they are part of the whole process of making art at SPA,” Nash said.

In the Fine Arts Department, students in US may choose to take electives such as; painting, drawing, pottery, photography, printmaking, choir, band, and orchestra. The art program offers classes to beginners and advanced alike. In these electives, students learn to expand on their art vocabulary and critique their own and other peer’s work, as well as being taught new techniques by their teachers.