For the past few years students have gotten sketchbooks for free as well as matte frames for their projects.
However, a combination of inflation, more students, and the new trimester schedule threaten the art department’s ability to teach the content and number of students they would like.
The budget in the past was good, but some things have changed. “We have a decent budget; however, we teach more students now that we have switched to trimesters so we could use some more,” said art department head and teacher Mr. Adam Guild. “Art supplies are very expensive and have gotten worse with our economy, so it is hard to buy the same stuff that costs a lot more than it used to.”
With rising costs and number of students, there is only so much of the art budget to go around, but things are good for the near future. “Our administration usually gets us what we need, even if it goes above our budget,” said Guild.
Rising costs have prompted talk of fees for those taking art. “Yes, we could charge an art fee. We used to do this; however, the current school board members will not allow this,” explained Guild. In the event a fee does become necessary, Guild does not foresee much opposition.
Without a fee and continued growth, the department may not be able to do all they want. “Lack of money could limit some of the things we do in the art department,” Guild said. Not that he is complaining. “I think we have a very healthy budget,” admitted Guild.
Awareness of need and a healthy budget reflect an appreciation of the arts. “Art is not just about becoming a painter, it is so much more. Hopefully people realize that the arts are important in our society just as the core subjects are,” said Guild.
