>> GEORGIA COLLEGE
High school students from across the state of Georgia in the National Art Honors Society visited Georgia College & State University for a conference last Friday.
“The story starts about a year and half ago. I went to the Georgia Art Education Association Conference held at Tybee Island and I did a demonstration there,” said Matthew Forrest, interim chair of art. “From that demonstration, that led to teachers discussing starting up a National Art Honors Society which would be a student chapter of the Georgia Art Education Association and introduce students to different forms of art.”
According to Forrest, the goal of the conference at GCSU was to highlight student success in the arts and provide students across the state access techniques and materials not offered in their community. To do this, Forrest worked with volunteers and GCSU students to plan a demo and workshop day.
“Our event was an avenue for high schoolers to share new techniques and help expand the arts within their own schools and communities,” said Forrest. “It was about introducing skills that they could take back home.”
Seventy-five students were in attendance and able to interact with many different forms of art hosted by volunteers and various high school teachers. Alongside volunteers, about 30 GCSU students helped to support workshops and demonstrations.
“Students who visited were grouped in four registration groups and administration from the Georgia Art Education Association picked the demos and workshops that they participated in,” said Forrest. “All of our workshops and demos were created based on a volunteer basis so we are so thankful to everyone who participated.”
The event included a Theater Dance Workshop, a Silkscreen Demo, an Overview between Art Practice and Theater, a Mixed Media Workshop, Library Laser Cutter and 3D Printing Drop In Visits, a Ceramic Demo, Art History In Games, Fabric Screen Printing, Sidewalk Chalk Camp, Tie Dye Technique and Cold Casting Demo Drop Ins.
“I think this event not only impacted the high school students but our staff and students. There was a lot of high energy and engagement throughout the two days that inspired everyone involved. It shows each participant why art education is so important,” said Forrest.
Georgia College should be able to host the National Art Honors Society again after five years. Forrest hopes to next time expand the demos and workshops available.