Chloe Rippe
Reporter
Silvermine Arts Center, naturally inspiring with its pond and overgrown foliage, is the artistic home for many students at NCHS. It is in the homey wooden rooms filled with easels and brushes that they discover new ways to channel their passion for art, while also developing fundamental skills.
Sophomore Corinne Vietorisz said, “Silvermine has really teached me the necessary techniques artists need. It’s hard to just magically be good at art.”
Since its establishment in 1924, Silvermine has provided the inspiration and instruction to help developing artists reach their potential, and is a workshop for many high school students.
While many students take high school art courses, those that take classes at Silvermine enjoy its own unique benefits.
Junior Mckenna Crowley said she squeezes three Silvermine art classes per week into her busy school schedule, including sculpture and figure drawing workshops, “Of course I take Silvermine classes for enjoyment and to practice art, but I’m also exposed to materials and teachers I would not have at school or home,” she said. “One huge benefit for taking classes at Silvermine is to build my portfolio, with a range of styles and mediums.”
Anne Connell, the School Director at Silvermine Arts Center, is an advocate for the plentiful resources that the school provides. “We offer many courses that require equipment that most public schools do not have such as metal and stone sculpture tools, ceramic wheels and high fire kilns,” she said.
For some, the benefits are as much a matter of time as access to resources. “It’s great to get more exposure to art, because only taking one art elective for 45 minutes a day isn’t a lot,” Corinne said, “Silvermine gives you a longer time to work, more individual focus, and more different materials to work with.”
Mckenna also said she benefits from the individual attention she receives. “The teachers can give you tricks for helping create your own artwork and (their) advice can play a major part in the artwork,” Mckenna said. “They’re always there for questions, or if you need any help. Unlike school teachers, they are constantly there to help you at any time.”
Corinne agreed. “The instructors have helped me so much, they individually look at what you are doing and take time to critique it and help you.”
While Mckenna has already taken multiple classes at Silvermine, she said she still wants to take advantage of more of the opportunities Silvermine offers. “I want to take advantage of its exhibition opportunities and display my work to give me more experience with art galleries,” she said.
According to students and staff at Silvermine, one of those opportunities is the school’s Annual Student Exhibition. “Silvermine has an Annual Student Exhibition that features adult and young adults artwork in the main galleries,” Ms. Connell said. “It gives family and friends an opportunity to see what they have accomplished throughout their studies at Silvermine and gives out awards for all media.”
According to Ms. Connell, Silvermine provides the resources for art-lovers to become skilled artists themselves. “Learning the basic techniques and getting a solid foundation will enable all artists to grow and improve their pursuit of the arts,” Ms Connell said. “Those artists who have that inner driven force live and breathe art. If you have the desire, you will be able to pursue something you love.”
