“A Fortunate Inspiration” is the result of a nine-month collaboration between the four departments of the Central High School and showcases student work as part of the International Baccalaureate curriculum requirement and examinations.
The theme began as a poem inspired by a fortune cookie, which became a film, which led to artwork, student musical compositions, and finally a student-produced play.
The multi-disciplinary spirit of the program kicked into high-gear at the April 1st opening reception with performances by the music and theater students and artwork on display through the Creamery Exhibition Hall and a film festival in the Creamery Library.
Over 500 people attended the event, said Stephanie Cramer, the Springfield Regional Arts Council Programs and Exhibitions director.
Thinking Big
A striking attribute of the exhibition is the number of large scale works. Using common or inexpensive materials allows the students to work on a scale not often seen in student work.
This adventurous spirit of creating large work spills into the stairwell of the Creamery, between the main exhibition space and the administrative offices where Barrett Crosby and Jordyn Johnson have a public mural in progress that will be completed later this year.
Encouraged by Central’s visual arts teacher Susan Brown, the two students have taken on the full responsibilities of the public arts process including formal presentations, maquette development, fund-raising, and documentation. You can see photos of their work in process on their blog Creamery Mural 2011.
Outside the Frame
Another reoccurring theme in many works is the students’ willingness to think outside the box or in this case ‘ The Frame.’ There is a playfulness seen in Amelia Chiles “Eye Bee” series (which is also a pun) with elements extending outside of the frame, the upside-down photo portraits by Jordyn Johnson, and the absence of a background behind the framed glass and use of a mirrors in Dounan Alissa Zhu’s explorations of faces and emotions.
Barrett Crosby’s “Tell Me About It” showcases a complex project where she stopped strangers on the street and asked them about their tattoos, then asked them to pose for photographs and write the personal meaning of their tattoos on notebook paper. The different elements of the process were collages into a small but sophisticated result.
The I.B. philosophy
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The visual arts exhibition and performances at the Creamery completes part of the curriculum requirements and examinations.
The fine art segment of the IB exhibition will continue on display throughout April at the Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway, across from Hammons Field. Viewing hours following First Friday are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the Springfield Regional Arts Council office (417) 862-2787 for more more information.
To see larger images from the IB exhibition, click on a thumbnail below:
Wow!!! What a wonderful article! Each year one of my goals is to have the students feel like working artists. The review nails it:) Thank you for your thoughtful observations.
Thank you so much for the flattering article! It was a lot of fun making art and putting the show up. We couldn’t have made it work without the Springfield Arts Council and our teachers. I loved the atmosphere at the Creamery and I will be definitely coming back to see future shows.
Thanks Kevin for your comments. The students did a great job, and I’m sure a lot of it has to do with their teachers. So congrats to you also!
This has been one of the best Sr. I.B. Art show I have seen in my history of being an art teacher at Central! Very good job! I will hate to see it come down next week!
What a great article about the exhibit. I would love to see you write more. You really captured the spirit of the exhibit.
I want to make sure the students and staff at Central see this. What a great addition to the students portfolio. Thank you for taking the time to write this and I hope many folks in Springfield see this site.