"Frankie K's" Idea

Often times, students’ artwork greets anyone walking through the front doors of High Point. While some students pass by without a care, others see the photos or pencil drawings or paintings and openly express a smile and sometimes even contribute to the scattered compliments that can be heard if one listens. This positive reaction to art should not be limited to just the art wing or entrance of the school or the small glass display in the cafeteria, but also to the halls beyond.

Like many institutions, the walls of High Point’s hallways are typically strewn with bulletin boards filled with some informational flyers. Occasional variations in color can be thanked to the beige, grey, and red lockers. The numbered doors lead the masses of traffic to their designated classes. School is an institution, but that does not mean that it should have to feel institutional. By spreading students’ art throughout the halls, students, teachers, and visitors alike can find an appreciation for the hard work and collaborative as well as individual efforts of the student body.

As long as the artwork exhibits high quality, it can be that of any student, not only to those currently taking an art class. After being approved by possibly a group of teachers who can delegate which pieces are appropriate, the student and teachers can together decide on a place to exhibit his/her work. Depending on how many students would take part in this along with whether or not students would want their work returned to them, a system can be planned in which after a certain amount of time, like a few weeks, the art would be brought down and replaced by another. Maybe some pieces could be made permanent with the permission of the student and approval of the school.

The spreading out of this artwork can help transform High Point from being just another institution to a place where a gathering of young adults’ thoughts and feelings are expressed through their creative talents. The displaying of students’ artwork can not only bring a sense of appreciation to its viewers, but also other emotions such as hope, motivation, or just a feeling of connection with the piece. If this idea should someday be met, then hopefully the pride of the students and teachers along with the appreciation of other viewers can go beyond the halls and out into the hearts and memories of all those involved.