The colorful and diverse display represents a canvas of opportunity – a chance for students to express their skill and creativity.
The collection of contemporary artwork represents a brush stroke – or a keystroke – of what they are learning and perfecting in today’s technologically-enhanced high school classrooms. There’s computer graphic-shaped digital woodcuts, digital photography that embraces studio lighting, hanging vinyl-cut portraits, silkscreen T-shirts and “divisionism” self-portraits.
“Amazing,” said Chuck Fitzgerald, visual communication teacher at Auburn High School. “The amazing thing to me is how many disciplines are available in one class.”
Students in the Auburn School District are applying traditional methods and grasping new techniques when it comes to visual arts and communication. Some of it is time-tested, some of it is more advanced.
Fitzgerald – a sculptor who has worked with wood, stainless steel and synthetic concrete – provides the tools to aspiring students. In his Mac-equipped classroom, students are encouraged to explore careers in various, ever-changing mediums.
Visual communication students are introduced and guided through the use of six disciplines – silkscreen, computer graphics, video production, digital vinyl cutting, digital photography and manual mode art processes.
The visual communications class at Auburn High serves as a CTE (career technical education) course, offering students a fine arts or occupational credit.
It is Fitzgerald’s hope that his students will grow and perhaps transfer marketable trade skills into further employment or careers. In today’s digital age, it’s important to be prepared for whatever jobs come their way, he insists.
“I have had many students go on to college,” he said. “But this offers career options for those who do not.”
For some, the field is a break from intense calculus and a way to present their work to the public.
The “viscom” department’s display is on exhibit in the heavily-trafficked lobby at the Auburn Performing Arts Center.
As Fitzgerald admits, there is always room for the arts in today’s curriculum.
“A professor once told me, “The physicist must fizz and the art teacher must do art,’ ” he said.
The class has brought out the best in his students.
“It has taught me to make do with what I’ve got and to be more patient to get that greater outcome,” said senior Jeff Bukowski, who plans to purse a career in the “viscom” field.
Alex Parkhomnko brought considerable computer skills to Auburn. In his native Russia, he worked closely with his grandfather, a professional photographer.
Fitzgerald’s class has inspired him to greater heights.
“I like to try something new,” Parkhomnko said. “I like to create and when I do, I want my work to be original.”
