Madras High Holds Inaugural Art Gala

For the first time in its history, the commons of Madras High School was transformed into a vibrant art gallery for our inaugural Art Gala. Student artwork covered the walls and tables inside the commons. This included different mediums of art like ceramics, paintings, graphics, photography, and more.

In addition, our jazz band, directed by Adam Thompson, filled the air with their smooth tones. In addition, the MHS thespian troupe wowed our guests with their captivating performances that truly showed the talent that walks the halls of MHS every day. It was a night to celebrate every brushstroke, note, and line within our student body.

It was a night that was both incredibly fulfilling and exhausting for MHS Art Teacher, Jaisee Starr. 

“I think that students are feeling good about being able to see such amazing work and being able to show off their work,” she said. “Being able to put this gala together helps get the students’ talent seen. I felt like this could be a great way to help my students start sharing their creativity and hard work and it kind of goes back to my high school experience of getting opportunities through art that I didn’t think I would ever have. Building experiences for students to express themselves helps build confidence in areas beyond the art room.”

The show was born from Starr’s desire to shine a spotlight on the artistic talent of our students.  Not everyone, either in the school or in the community, gets to see our student’s artwork. Starr aimed to give them a platform with the gala and students delivered. There were hundreds of artwork on display students have worked on throughout the school year. 

In addition to work done in Starr’s class, she also collaborated with our graphic design and photography class, taught by Sue Young, and our Spanish class, taught by Silvia Navarro, so their work could also be put on display. 

“The more the merrier,” Starr said. 

Some students took home some awards because of their artwork. Each category had a ‘Best in Category’ award along with two honorable mentions. Starr enlisted the help of her fellow teachers to judge the many different submissions. She created a rubric and gave them some parameters on what to look for when judging.

“Craftsmanship, overall idea, composition, all those were considered when judging,” she said. 

 The categories included 2D mediums- paintings and drawing, mixed media, ceramics, photography, and digital design. There was also a ‘Best of Show’ award given out. Below are the winners of each category. 

“That was pretty fun to be able to give awards and some kudos to those students to feel like they really are being seen and appreciated for their hard work, art is very laborsome,” Starr said. 

In her second year leading the art program at MHS, Starr has a front row seat to the growth in her students. Her teaching philosophy in the art room is to push her students and have them build skills to develop artistic ideas. Throughout the art process, she wants her students to find what works for them and to do things in a more personalized way without fear of making a mistake or doing something the wrong way. 

“It’s taken off. I can see that immense growth, and I’m excited to see how my students are going to be in advanced courses next year and the year after,” she said. I’m going to be able to branch from there and continue to guide them to creating personal, impactful and beautiful art.”

Photos of the MHS Jazz Band and Thespian Troupes who provided music & entertainment throughout the evening.

Photos of the Spanish Poems submitted by Ms. Navarro’s class.