Making their mark

The accomplishments and legacy of Northview's founder

Photo by Alice Nikonova.

Ridhi Boggavarapu, Copy & News Editor, Alice Nikonova, Staff Writer, & Sid Shetty, Staff Writer

Whether one likes it or not, art surrounds us in countless shapes and forms wherever we go. It may appear as paint and colors as an artist glides across a canvas in deliberate strokes. It may present itself as waves of intertwined harmonies musicians produce, each with a unique instrument, or even as the strong and delicate movements of a graceful ballerina upon a lit stage. No matter the form it decides to take, art is everywhere, including within the walls of Northview.

Although the options at Northview are not unlimited, there are still a variety of pathways and classes for students to take and use as an artistic release, hobby, or future career choice. One of the more notable options is the visual arts pathway. Despite the fact that many assume the classes exclusively cover drawing and coloring, the courses include ceramics, photography, jewelry, graphic design, and even art history. This creates an environment with a wide variety of choices that can suit students with different skills, desires, and personalities.

Given that art encompasses a plethora of concepts, a person can define art in numerous ways. Kaitlyn Harmon, one of the art teachers at Northview, shared her thoughts on what truly defines art. 

"The definition of art is simply creation with intention. And the intention doesn't even have to be something deep and meaningful because some people get caught up in, 'Oh, my art has to have a meaning.' It doesn't. Your intention can be to just make," Harmon said.

However, many students who are interested in art decide not to take the pathway due to lack of room in their schedules or because they consider art to be more of a hobby than a stable and reliable career choice. Many hold skepticism over the art pathway, believing that it isn't useful or necessary, with some referring to art offerings at schools as a "luxury". This has led to funding cuts and limited art offerings across many schools in the US, and specifically in the Atlanta metro area. Still, Mary Besel, a Northview art teacher, shared that she has witnessed art's importance in everyday life, even in places most do not suspect.

"Art is extremely valuable. Everything around you was designed. It was designed by somebody who was thinking about [the] aesthetics of it. Even this chair. People buy this chair because of the way it looks, not just the way it feels," Besel said.

Although skills such as math, reading, and science are important for traditional careers, Harmon argues that art teaches skills that can be applied in the real world but aren't always taught in a formal classroom.

"[Art] helps you think more critically because instead of just learning terms and processes and equations and all that stuff in your other classes, we sometimes give you projects where you have to come up with an idea and then develop how to execute it, which is literally wiring your brain to be better oriented for higher-level thinking," Harmon said.

The art pathways at Northview don't stop there, as many students take band, orchestra, or chorus classes, which the school provides for many skill levels. These classes are not only known for their hardworking teachers and students and ability to express oneself through mere notes, but also by the sense of community and belonging that they foster within our school. 

Emily Chow, Northview senior, has experienced the positive aspects of practicing music with others with similar passions. 

"I think the community is really warm and welcoming and its one of my favorite parts of band I'd say that you meet a lot of your like good friends and like life teammates through band and music," Chow said.

However, the chances to explore and interact with art aren't restricted to the walls of Northview. Many students find different types of art outside of school to be a less controlled way to express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions.

Apart from participating in the traditional school band experience, Northview senior Ethan Liu creates his own music outside of school. 

"I've always been into music as a kid so I wanted to create my own so just out of curiosity," Liu said.

Kelly Zhong, a junior at Northview High School, has practiced art since she was five years old, in the form of ballet.

"I've always loved dancing and just moving my body," Zhong said.

Teachers and mentors are crucial to the growth and development of an artist, no matter the form. The process of mastering an art form can be taxing and take time, leading to deep connections between the student and teacher. 

"When I was in high school, if I felt like my teachers were human and accessible as human, and not just this wall of authority who I have to listen to lecture.... I [would have] had a better time in their class, and I [would be] more willing to ask questions," she said. 

Besel believes that anyone can create art, with anything. But a quality that is necessary to be a good artist is the willingness to learn and improve. 

Art takes many forms and can be experienced through all five senses. From the colors on our walls to the masterpieces displayed in museums, it surrounds us every day. Whether it acts as an emotional outlet, a way to express yourself, or simply a way to create something enjoyable, including students, teachers, and administrators at Northview.