Burke High-school offers many clubs and electives that you can show off their creative mind in many forms whether it is with a paint brush, clay, or a pencil. These places can help you form a new hobby and outlet with more tips from Burke staff that have been teaching many students for years. Speaking of which, these Burke staff gave their opinions on the past Burke students who is skillful enough for their artwork to be remembered.

Hannah Sudberry, when asked about what her favorite art piece… in terms of writing — she answered: “One of my favorite pieces of writing was from last year. The student wrote a short story about a doll that slowly possessed a little girl. It was very creepy, and I hate dolls! I did enjoy the story though.”

Someone’s dedication to writing is always so remarkable and should be honored as such, writing if a form of art that is not too recognized like pottery and other art has been.

Although writing is truly a brilliant hobby to have, some other Burke art staff have some favorites that would like to be included.

Brian Anderson, when asked about his favorite past Burke artwork has gone out of his way to contact some students and gave them share their thoughts on what it was like working with him. So, I leveled the nine students that have replied to five questions and chose to share some of the most interesting ones.

Sydney Hale, to the question “Would you recommend a soon-to-be first-year student at Burke to take an art class” she replied with: “I couldn’t recommend art classes more. It is so nice to have a break from more serious subjects in high school, and to just have a space to create and express oneself without words…” Even if you do not look to pursue a career in art, Hale believes that you should at least rewind with stressful classes with letting your creativity let loose on a canvas.

Jenelle (Hallert) Miller, to the question “Is there a technique that you learned from a teacher at Burke that you still use today?” she replied with “Mr. Anderson taught me how to grid lines to draw proportionally… Also, I didn’t just learn an art technique… but a life technique. He taught me to be able to take constructive feedback and listen to the wisdom of others.”  Strong words from former Burke student Miller, ones that you can live with if you’re interested in art.

Ashton Doukas, to the question “What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Burke?” Their reply was: “My favorite project that I worked on was around screen-printing, when we were required to make a cohesive set of one-color illustrations to be printed for a shirt run. It gave me early insight as to what it takes to create a body of work for a commercial setting.” These art classes will not only let you let loose with your creativity but will also help with life lessons.

Katy Pratt, to the question “Were you ever interested in art before attending art classes at Burke” she would reply: “I enjoyed my art classes starting young. My grandmother was also an art teacher, so I always enjoyed working with colors and shapes. I have many fond memories of making tie dye shirts and pastel drawings with her.” Katy uses her memories to showcase how small things can make lasting impacts.

Joslyn (Hopkins) Barnes to the question “Are you looking to use art as a hobby or a long-term goal?” She replied: “I’ve been a professional graphic designer for 13 years now and do freelance work on the side! I feel extremely lucky to be doing what I love every single day and getting paid for it. I took one graphic design course at Burke… and it helped me determine what I wanted to go to college for.” Like Barnes said, any opportunity or passion could be waiting for you within a single class.

Dean Hanisch had five students answer the same questions that I had asked Mr. Anderson’s students. It’s been shortened down to one question to display their artwork!

Randy Horn: “I honestly loved all the projects I worked on. Especially in her advanced classes, where we got to choose the technique just based on a broad topic that was given to us.” His artwork that was his favorite was a flame bowl… the name being self-explanatory.

Daniella Merizalde: “My favorite project and the one I still have is my trivet. I took my first class in the summer and mine was the only one that didn’t wobble. It’s meant to be a place to set hot pans.” Choosing two favorite art projects, Merizalde picked a coil title and a vase to show off!

Julia Conover: “I threw and carved a set of 4 goblets, they were probably my

Favorite project, I gave them all away but one!  Hanisch taught me it’s okay to throw a piece away and start over!”

Dara Rosenberg: “My favorite piece I worked on was a Native American wedding vase. I love using all the different colors of slip to make the designs.  I was really honored when my piece was chosen to be displayed with other student work at the Joslyn Art Museum in the fountain room. I loved the piece already but seeing it under glass sign my name in such a beautiful space is one of my favorite memories of high school.  It was extremely difficult for me to put together… but my teacher, Mrs. Schmitz, helped me learn patience and perseverance. I’m not in an art field today, but I know that the skills I learned have carried through in other ways into my teaching.” A beautiful story written with a beautiful art piece by Rosenberg.

And last, from the Burke high graphic design teacher, Cuong Nguyen: “One of my favorite assignments is the Pop Art project.  This is where students must design a portrait of them self as a Roy Lichenstein Artwork.”

With all said by some Burke staff along with their past students, art could be anything for you whether it’s a source of income or a hobby but ultimately you should be able to enjoy it to genuinely appreciate it.