Gabrielino art classes spark creativity, community

Mark Chammas, Staff Writer

March 26, 2024

Features

Gabrielino High School’s art classes, including AP Art and Design, Graphic Design, Introduction to Art, Ceramics, and Draw/Paint, create a healthy student atmosphere and bring life to the school. From the main office to the quad, paintings, designs, and pottery created by art students add personality to the campus. The classes also give students a break in their otherwise rigorous schedules, enabling them to relax and express their creativity.

Gabrielino art classes spark creativity, community

(Bren Belmonte)

Intro to Art

   Intro to Art assigns students no criteria other than to simply be creative. The class gives students with a basic understanding of art the chance to practice imagination and deeper thinking.

   “Art has really allowed me to express myself freely through my art,” said junior Mark Liu. “I feel like the best thing I’ve learned is finding multiple solutions to one problem. If one thing doesn’t work when I am trying to create something, then I know I can just try something else.”

   Currently, Intro to Art students are creating projects using papier-mȃchié techniques.

   “We put wet paper on whatever shape we want to create, and once it hardens, it solidifies that shape; mine is a balloon,” explained Liu. “I would describe the project and class as fun and therapeutic. In Intro to Art I am really able to relax and wind down.”
(Bren Belmonte)

AP Art and Design

   In AP Art and Design, students are able to craft individual art portfolios centered around a specific theme. Students must meet the requirements of the AP portfolio, including an explanation of the elements in their art.

    “It’s been a lot of fun getting to explore different themes for the portfolio, especially for my theme about substance abuse,” stated junior Oralee Tran. “There’s a lot of room for creativity, and drawing what you’re passionate about. Since it’s a really small class, you get to become close with everyone in your class. We present a drawing every two weeks, and I have really gotten to know everyone else through their art and unique art styles.”

   AP Art students is a very unique class, as students polish their AP portfolios in class for the entire year.

   “I would say the class is very tight-knit and uplifting,” Tran said. “I think we have all developed creative thinking a lot more. For example, something I did was take lyrics from songs about addiction, and illustrate those specific lyrics in my pieces.”
Graphic Design

   Graphic Design is an immersive, colorful, and technology-based class where students learn how to create graphic art with online art programs.

   “I’ve learned a lot about digital art, something that wasn’t focused on as much in Intro to Art when I took it,” shared senior Maddox Hoa. “It’s been really cool learning how to use InDesign, Illustrator, Procreate, and other art programs.”

   Right now, Graphic Design students are designing movie posters for “Once Upon a Mattress”, a play that will be performed by the Drama class.

   “I’ve designed and practiced designing advertisements for things like the movie poster,” stated Hoa. “I would have never otherwise had the chance to experience creating. There’s so much creative freedom.”
Ceramics

   Ceramics is a hands-on, technical, and relaxing art class. Students develop the skill to carve and shape clay, taking home the plates, vases, pots, cups, and variety of other pottery they create.

   “The class is really chill and peaceful,” described senior Skyler Lam. “I am always really happy to take home all the things I make. I still use some of my cups and pots.”

   Ceramics students are currently designing miniature lanterns meant to look like the exterior of houses.

   “With our miniature lanterns, you just need to build your own miniature house with a door, root, and so on, except it is hollow on the inside,” explained Lam. “My favorite part of Ceramics is seeing the final product and use it at home, so I’m really excited to finish the latern.”
Drawing and Painting

   In Drawing and Painting, students who enjoy utilizing their imagination can express themselves both on paper and digitally. Students who have a penchant for watercolors, acrylics, and pastels often find Drawing and Painting to be therapeutic and exciting.

   “Mr. Seuss really lets us explore our imagination,” explained junior Jacklyn Mullen. “From Drawing and Painting, I am learning how to trust myself and the process. I’ve learned that my art doesn’t need to be perfect, as their imperfections really make them mine.”

   Currently, Drawing and Painting students are completing a “Visions of Freedom Project”, where students complete a piece on what freedom means to them.

   “I have learned how to better understand myself and what freedom means to me through creating the project,” stated Mullen. “Having the chance to submit my artwork to competitions through Mr. Seuss is also an added bonus.”

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About the Contributors

Mark Chammas, Editor in Chief

Mark Chammas is the Editor in Chief of the Tongva Times, marking his second year on the team. Outside of his journalistic pursuits, Mark enjoys fashion, reading celebrity memoirs, and listening to podcasts. He joined the newspaper out of his love for writing and his appreciation for the school paper's ability to create community. Mark aims to cover topics of personal interest and address school-related issues he believes need more attention.

Bren Belmonte, Staff Writer

Bren Belmonte is a Photographer and Staff Writer with three years of experience on our newspaper team. Outside of journalism, Bren enjoys cosplaying, photographing friends, reading manga, watching anime, and listening to music. Bren chose the journalism class in sophomore year after encouragement from family members in the industry. Since then, they've recognized it as a future passion and career interest.