As each student at Mission Bay High School works their way to a diploma, two-semester credits in “visual and performing arts” must be completed. An introductory art class for incoming ninth graders to begin meeting that graduation requirement is Art 1-2 taught by Heather Henkes, a long-time art teacher at Mission Bay.
The course description for Art 1-2 is challenging from the beginning. Art 1–2 provides a “design and skill foundation for students that includes drawing, painting, and design problems. Media and methods are explored to facilitate future progress in additional art courses.”
A recent early morning visit to Henkes’ ninth-grade art class provided insight into several freshmen’s responses to their initial class assignment: Abstract Composition In Colored Pencil.
Each student started by completing thumbnail sketches (rough drafts) that included required elements of overlapping organic and geometric shapes with size variations and pattern-filled areas. The final effort included tonal and color gradations and an overall element of balance in each completed art piece. Once their thumbnail sketches were reviewed and approved, each student enlarged their final composition onto 9 by 12 inches drawing paper.
Ninth-grader Alejandro Sanchez-Kerr transferred to Mission Bay from the Longfellow UTK-Grade 8 Spanish Immersion Magnet School. When asked what inspires his art, Sanchez-Kerr said: “Mostly nature and things that pop into my head at random. I work in ‘bursts’ not defined periods because inspiration is not constant… it happens at random.”
Freshman Sawyer Nicksic enjoys working with pencils and colored pencils at this time in his developing art career. “Inspiration comes from my dad. He has always encouraged me to push and expand my abilities,” said Nicksic.
Ninth-grader Elena Roloff entered Mission Bay after graduating from St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Pacific Beach. Roloff enjoys using many different textures and materials in her art and finds inspiration from nature. “Nature inspires my art, including wildlife, plants, sunsets, anything outdoors,” Roloff said.
After a couple of visits to Henkes’ Art 1-2 class, the transition from thumbnail sketches to the final piece is amazing. Each student’s work is very abstract – different from one another. Final projects are filled with vibrant colors –
connected yet distinct shapes – spiraling and swirling with vivid colors creating both movement and perspective.
It is clear from just this short visit to this ninth-grade Art 1-2 class that these students will have many opportunities at Mission Bay to explore, investigate, and further develop their art interests. Several students interviewed showed a strong interest in pursuing the IB Diploma Program starting in their junior year at Mission Bay.
