Seniors Natilee Wernstrom and Carter Mahoney really appreciate their art classes at Montague High School and they’re not alone.
Beyond the relaxing part of art class is the opportunity for expression and to stretch one’s mind in different ways. Additionally, Alyssa Bernardi is at or near the top of the list of favorite teachers for many students.
“I love all of my art classes. It is what I look forward to at school every day. It is a very happy environment,” said Wernstrom, who is currently taking Ceramics & Sculpture and Painting and Drawing II. “I will dread going to school the next day and I will tell myself it is OK because I just have to make it to my second-hour art class and everything will be fine, and it always is.”
“I always love going to art class because of the teacher. However, I love getting a break from doing school work like math or English and being able to show my creativity and really do what I want with the projects,” said Mahoney, who is currently taking Ceramics and Sculpture but he’s also fond of Photoshop skills learned in the Digital Photography class.
Bernardi, who is in her eighth year at Montague, teaches a variety of classes in the art space: Foundations of Art, Ceramics & Sculpture, Digital Photography, Painting & Drawing I, and Painting and Drawing II.
When asked what types of artworks her students produce, Bernardi answered “Everything!” Here are some details about each of her classes:
- Foundations of Art: Students use a variety of mediums to create pieces including ceramic paint palettes, mixed media designs, color wheels, collages, and more.
- Ceramics & Sculpture: Students spend the first half of the semester focusing on sculpture, including wire sculptures, plaster sculptures, and tape-casting sculptures. Then they focus on clay and make pieces like vases, tiles, bobbleheads, and other functional pieces.
- Digital Photography: Students learn the basics of composition, camera settings, and Photoshop. Then they’re given more creative assignments, like creating a dreamscape in Photoshop or taking photographs that focus solely on shadows and light.
- Painting & Drawing I: Students first focus on the basics of drawing, like drawing from observation and shading. Students then draw still lifes, portraits, and perspective drawings. Then they learn about painting with acrylic and watercolor.
- Painting & Drawing II: Students can work more independently, create their own projects, and work with their favorite materials. Over the years, Bernardi has seen pieces such as painted guitars, giant portraits, oil paintings inspired by Bob Ross, and more.
“In all of my classes, I try to provide opportunities for choice. I want my students to be interested in the art they’re making, so even if a project has requirements — like they are only allowed to use certain colors — the subject matter of the piece would be up to them. I want students to have the opportunity to make their art meaningful to them,” Bernardi said.
“I also want my students to practice and get better at working independently on long-term projects. Art is structured a little differently than other classes. We may take a week or two to complete a project, and most class days are work days. Students have to practice not getting distracted and working through problems and challenges on a daily basis.
“I also think it’s important for kids to have time in their day to be creative and expressive. For some students, art class is a time to relax and use their brain in a different way. I’m glad I get to offer that to our students.”
Photos courtesy of Montague art
Bernardi believes that allowing some choice into projects helps students to express themselves. She provides guidance to students but also allows for freedom to add their own personal touches to a piece. She said that art provides a different way of communicating – rather than using words, it’s through a visual language.
Bernardi encourages people to support the arts, especially in schools. She said students need those types of creative classes during the day for several reasons. She noted that arts are typically the first thing cut from class offerings or from school curriculums altogether. The more people know about and appreciate the importance of arts, the better, she said.
“I take art classes because I really enjoy art. It helps me relax,” Wernstrom said. “I also like the environment. It makes me feel more comfortable being in the art room.
“Miss Bernardi is my favorite teacher and has been my whole four years of high school. She never singles out any group of students or picks favorites and treats every student respectfully. She is very caring and she makes time for one-on-one time with every student.”
Bernardi, Mahoney, and Wernstrom all encourage others to take art classes. Bernardi pointed out that experience or talent are not issues – all students have different levels of experience with art.
Bernardi tells her students that it doesn’t matter if one thinks he or she is not good with art. She reinforces the idea that one takes a class on something to learn about that subject area. She added that art can help improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as help learn about oneself and the world.
“One of the most rewarding things about teaching art classes is when a student is very unsure of their abilities, or thinks they can’t do something, and then after attempting it, and/or with help from me, they realize they can,” Bernardi said.
“I love it when I can help show students their potential and they get really excited about it. It’s also very cool to see students who had little to no interest in the class at first come to really enjoy it and make things that they’re proud of.”
Mahoney and Wernstrom both intend on using art as a means of expression as they go forward in life.
“Yes, I think I will continue to use art because I enjoy coloring and drawing. It’s a nice way to just reset and chill out sometimes,” Mahoney said. “I also think art classes help a lot with being creative in other aspects of life, too, like problem-solving.”
Said Wernstrom: “In my life, I will always use art as a way to express myself and who I am. A lot of times, I express myself in my clothes, taking old stuff and making it ‘new,’ and I will always continue to do that.”
Photos by Montague art
