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Musick views art program as a forum
By Mary Madewell
Published February 6, 2010
Some students take the class as a release from the tensions of the day; others for a sense of creative fulfillment; and still others because it’s their life dream.
For many students at Chisum High School, a growing art program provides the avenue for the aforementioned.
The school’s art program has grown each year since instructor Mary Golden-Musick returned to her alma mater following graduation from Texas A&M University — Commerce almost four years ago.
“It was an honor to get to teach at my old school as soon as I graduated college,” Musick said Friday. “This is the only school I have worked at and I hope to never leave because we have great kids that work very hard.”
Her first year, the school offered only one year of art, but with each year since another class has been added.
“Next year we will have Art IV,” Musick said.
Students, beginning with Art I, are exposed to many mediums as well as to art history.
“I try to get Art 1 students’ hands in every kind of medium I can,” Musick said. “That is where so many art students who didn’t think they would like art discover they do. One student may try print making for the first time and fall in love, and decide they want to take more levels of art.”
The teaching of art history, the instructor said, is as important as well.
“I try to not only teach the studio side of art but the history of art,” Musick said. “I think the students need to understand the styles of art and how they were developed.”
Musick said she believes art serves as a “creative release.”
“They can come relax and just create,” she said. “Art serves our young people as a forum for expression, communication, exploration, imagination and historical understanding.”
Students back up their teacher’s theories.
“I like art because I like to express myself through my work and there are so many mediums, you can do anything you want and you can’t be wrong,” said senior Sierra Hurley, an Art 1 student.
“I like art because it is a way to show what you’re feeling and it gives me something fun to do that I enjoy,” said Dayna Butler, also a senior and second year art student.
“Art is important because it is a great way to turn a bad day around,” senior Kristen Hodges said. “You can just get all your frustrations out by painting.”
Senior Lance Marshall, in his third year of art classes, said art makes him happy.
“Art is my passion,” he said.
Junior Victoria Gribble, a second year art student said, “Art is the essence creativity. It expands your mind and thinking. It keeps you open to change. It keeps you open to life.”
And senior Krista Nichols said she wants to pursue art as a career.
“I am wanting to get some kind of degree in art. And the art classes get me more experience. The things that Mrs. Musick helps me with can help me get scholarships. She gives me advice and tells me about competitions to enter.”
Chisum art students have had success in competition.
Jacob Moore, 2009 senior, received runner-up in the Congressional Art Competition. Sarah Monkres won first place at the Red River Valley Fair with a three-dimensional piece.
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