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Paper Mache of animals fused together, neurographic self-portraits, portrayals of everyday people and celebrities, Zentangle letters, quilling and other art fashioned from the hearts and minds of high schoolers were on display Tuesday during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) first Annual Art Showcase and Sale in the Multipurpose Room at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. 

“Our students have shown great artistic skills,” said CHS fine arts instructor Hope Jordan. “The idea came last year when Dr. (Gina) Jeffries (CHS director) and I said we wanted to present the students’ artwork. We felt it would boost their self-esteem and confidence in art.” 

“We also wanted to afford the community and their parents to not only view the artwork, but have a chance to purchase items,” Jordan added. 

Best-selling author George M. Johnson bought a water color print of himself made by CHS sophomore Nicholas Hart. 

“I don’t know how quite to feel about it,” said Hart of his first art sale. “I do think I could have made it better, added more detail.” 

Hart, who had a collection of other charcoal, pencil, chalk and watercolor drawings on exhibition, got the inspiration to draw Johnson from the author’s banned book, “All Boys Aren’t Blue.”  Hart wants to pursue a career in the creative world that could include fashion design, art, theater or music. 

Jalyl Hill, CHS senior, also contributed several pieces to the showcase. One of his works is a drawing of an eye with a figure in the middle of the pupil and the words “anger,” “fear,” “pain,” “prayer,” “new life” and “God.” 

“This piece came as a result of my being angry, and I wanted to express how I was feeling,” said Hill. “I like art because it does allow for me to convey my emotions.” While he likes art and wants to pursue it as a hobby, Hill has plans to become a mechanical engineer. 

“I like art because it’s very calming,” said CHS freshman Shaniya Johnson, who desires to be a pediatric nurse but wants to keep art as a hobby. “For inspiration, I will sometimes look up art museums and view the different artwork.” Johnson created a watercolor, a “Tube Challenge” and a “Combined Animals” for the show. On the “Tube Challenge” and “Combined Animals” she partnered with CHS freshman Destiny Jones. 

“I also enjoy how calming art can be,” added Jones, who wants to become an art therapist. “I like to have a clear mind before I create and work. Art can really help with anxiety.” 

CHS sophomore Sydney McGhee has plans and is excited about going to college and made a drawing of a dorm room. She plans to attend SIUE or Prairie View A&M University to study to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. 

CHS sophomore Donna Crosby tried her hands at a Paper Mache elephant-scorpion and was somewhat happy with the results, though the self-confessed art novice said the three to four weeks it took her to complete it was a little frustrating. 

“We are so proud of the talent and hard work of our Charter High School students,” said Jeffries. “We are glad they had a chance to express themselves artistically. And because the results were so impressive, we wanted to show off their work!” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.  

Photos:

(L-R): CHS sophomore Nicholas Hart is shown with several pieces of his artwork. His drawing on the far left depicts George M. Johnson. CHS senior Jalyl Hill displayed a few of his creations. Hill sold his work illustrating an eye and the words of emotions surrounding it. 

(L-R): CHS students Keya Anderson and T’Niyah Black look at work at the Quilling station. SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start students from the Discovery Center toured the CHS Art Showcase.