The Arts
Young Art is Great Art
By: Tristen Simmons
Any day at Hilton Head Island High School is a great day. Everyday HHIHS offers many art programs to acknowledge youth excellence. One teacher, Ms.Dobbelaere, leaves a great reputation on her students. Every year in March, the nation celebrates Youth Art Month, a time to acknowledge and recognize the importance of art education for young people. This month-long observance provides an opportunity for schools, museums, and communities to come together to showcase the creativity and talent of our nation's youth. The theme for this year's Youth Art Month is "Art Connects Us," highlighting the ways in which art brings people together and fosters connections. Ms.Dobbelaere helps do a great job to “Recognize art education as an integral part of the school-wide curriculum.” To add, she helps to realize that art will “Increase support for art education [with recognition] that art education teaches divergent and critical thinking.” The school expresses youth art with many accomplishments. The student’s artwork is in the lobby and on display throughout the school. Not to mention, student work was displayed at USCB and SCAD, some of the top programs they can offer to students. The range goes from painting and drawing to sculpture and digital media. This art allows students to express themselves and communicate their ideas in powerful ways. Throughout the month of March, schools and museums host exhibitions of student artwork, workshops and classes, and community events that showcase the creative talents of young people. These events provide a platform for students to share their work with others, gain recognition for their achievements, and inspire others to explore their own creative potential. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or a community member, there are countless ways to get involved and support the arts in your community. Celebrate the creativity and talent of our nation's youth!
HHIHS Proudly Presents “The Little Mermaid”
By: Celia Walter and Lizzy Markowitz
Hilton Head Island High School is excited to showcase the talented Seahawk Stage Company in the Spring production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.
The Showtimes of the play were from March 23rd to March 24th at 7:00 p.m., March 26th at 2:00 p.m., March 30th through April 1st at 7:00 p.m., and April 2nd at 2:00 p.m..
The show was open to the public and was a great experience for all ages. Tickets for adults were 20 dollars and tickets for students ages two to eighteen were 10 dollars. Tickets were purchased at the door of the show or prior to the show online at the Seahawk Stage Company’s website(hhihstheare.org/tickets).
The play depicted the famous love story between Ariel(Janeal Stevens) and Prince Eric(Edgar Ibarra). In order to win over Prince Eric she made a deal with the evil witch, Ursula(Marisa Martucci). As the daughter of King Triton(Halen Taber) she had a lot to lose not only for herself but for her family. But with the help of her friends Flounder the fish(Victoria Vargas), Scuttle the seagull(Kacie Tharin), and Sebastian the crab(Ben Gutierrez) she could stop Ursula and save the ocean all while winning over Prince Eric.
Kaice Tharin, a member of the Seahawk Stage Company playing Scuttle the seagull, stated, “I personally love being a part of the Seahawk Stage Company and participating in the performances because of the family you make. Some of the people I have done this show with have truly become some of my best friends and we have a bond that will never be broken.”
The Seahawk Stage Company is a completely student and community-funded program with no financial support from the school. The theatre greatly appreciates community and parental support to help students follow their passions and use their creativity in a safe and fun environment. Parents and business owners can support the Seahawk Stage Company by purchasing ads for their playbills. Ads can be purchased through the Seahawk Stage Company’s website (hhihstheatre.org/sponsorships) or by emailing Kimberly Guinn(Kimberly.guinn@beaufort.k12.sc.us).
The Seahawk Stage Company has held several other events this year including “Fright School” which was a haunted house in October and the play “Alice Verse Wonderland” in December. As well as hosting an “Under the Sea Fundraiser” on March 25th.
Kaice Tharin stated, “Though the hours may be long and tough, the time you put in truly pays off and it's amazing to see all your hard work turn into something so beautiful.”
HHIHS Students Entered In Low Country Art Exhibit
By: Celia Walter and Lizzy Markowitz
Hilton Head Island High School is proud to have ten pieces showcased in the Low Country Art Exhibit this year. The South Carolina Art Education Association runs the exhibit to celebrate Youth Art Month in March.
Teachers are allowed to submit artwork from up to five students, from which the South Carolina Art Education Association judges the pieces and selects pieces to be displayed in the Low Country Art Exhibit. Two art teachers at Hilton Head Island High School submitted student artwork, Ms.Schoelkopf and Ms. Dobbelaere.
The exhibit was located at the Public Works Art Center in Summerville, South Carolina, and was open from March 14 to April 2nd. Along with the physical exhibit, there was a virtual exhibit. The student artwork and more information about the South Carolina Art Education Association can be found on the South Carolina Art Education Association’s website (https://www.scaea.org/youth-art-month.html).
Pieces by Camden Bernstein, Skylar Bruner, Zoe Forshe, Karen Mcdonnell, Nathaniel Greenberg, Alondra Colula, Audrey Rinehart, Kaya Tolley, and Addison Fisher are being showcased in the exhibit.
The South Carolina Art Education Association created four regions within South Carolina each region held an exhibit. South Carolina has been split into the Western region, the lower region, the central region, and the Eastern region. Hilton Head Island is located within the lower region and therefore student artwork represented in it was showcased in the Low Country Art Exhibit.
“All art teachers do their best to represent as many student artists and artworks as possible. There are many competitions year-round, so we do our best to enter as many students as possible. Seniors and upper-level classes are given priority in some cases, but freshmen and sophomores are equally represented in other competitions,” said Ms. Dobbelaere, an art teacher at Hilton Head Island High School.
Being represented in the exhibit gives students a great chance to be recognized for their hard work. It also helps with college resumes and gives students exposure to how art exhibits work.
“With every artistic achievement, it's another way to stand out on a resume,” said Ms. Dobbelaere.
Hilton Head Island High School values its art department and continues to encourage students to strive for excellence and use their creativity in new and exciting ways.
Ms. Dobbelaere stated, “This world is in need of creative thinkers, and no matter what field of study or job a student pursues after high school, this is a valuable and needed characteristic!”
Senior Skylar Bruner won 1st place at the South Carolina Art Education Association Youth Art Month Lower Region. She was the first HHIHS and BSCD student to win.