By Jessica Miller
Staff Writer
Costa’s first art gallery in room 60 was completed during Phase ll of Measure BB of construction, in which art teachers collaborated to create a room where students can display and share their artwork to the school and community.
The first exhibit in the gallery opened on January 31 and is a collection of work from the Art, Art Appreciation, Ceramics and AP Studio Art classes. The gallery will change shos periodically and students will be able to view shows during lunch on opening days and on select days during each show. Gallery hours are posted outside room 60 for each exhibit.
“We are very lucky to have a dedicated space for ongoing art exhibits,” Art teacher Kate Martin said. “I hope that it will be a space for students to gather, share and experience art.”
The current show in the gallery was organized by teachers, but the next one will be put on by students in the AP Studio Art class. Although the current show is not themed, future shows may include single-class, department wide, thematic, group shows or even one-person shows.
“Having my work in the gallery gives me a feeling of accomplishment, knowing the piece came out how I intended it to,” Ceramics senior Chad Sumen said. “Having the gallery on campus gives the art students a feeling of what a professional artist’s world is like, and how other people can enjoy looking at their artwork.”
According to Martin, the media teachers are excited to work together and create shows for the gallery space. They joined together and came up with several ideas to assemble for the gallery that will draw from all of the artistic students.
“Visual arts are quieter because we don’t perform like the drama department does, but now the students have a cool place to display their work for their peers to see as well as put out a call for other artists,” Art and Ceramics teacher Jennifer Mireles said.
The room is set up for two and three dimensional work and artwork in the gallery can be hung on the walls or displayed on tables. Students do not have to be taking an art class to participate and all students are encouraged to submit all types of art including drawings, paintings, sculptures, mixed media and photography.
“It feels great to have some of my art in the gallery for my peers and teachers to view,” AP Studio Art senior Tyler Stroh said. “I’ve already received a lot of positive feedback on my art in the few days that the gallery has been open.”
The art teachers are currently taking submissions for another art show, the 14th Annual All Media Student Art Show. The show will be held March 20th through the 28th at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center and the reception will be on Friday March 28th from 5-7 at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center on Manhattan Beach Boulevard across from Polliwog Park. Students can pick up entry forms and submit work to their art teacher or room 62.
“All students are welcome to submit work for group or thematic shows and can come talk to me in room 62 for more information about participating in or organizing shows,” Martin said.
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