This year, the art program held two different art shows, giving different styles of art the spotlight. One show was held at RCHS and the other took place at the Earth, Fire, & Spirit Pottery store, located on Washington St. of downtown Lexington, Va. 

Select students in Ceramics I, Ceramics II, Studio Art, and Intro to Art had pieces and designs that were put up for sale in the shows. 

Junior Greta Guse is an art student in various art classes provided at the high school. She had three pieces total that are being shown at RCHS and the Earth, Fire, & Spirit Pottery store.

“It probably took me around 8 hours to do my Line Art assignment, 10-15 hours for the Pastel Still Life, and 5 hours for my Perspective Piece (not counting the planning process),” said Guse. 

For Guse, the longest part of making art is the planning process. 

“The first thing I do is come up with ideas in my sketchbook. These usually include theme, subject, color scheme, and medium,” said Guse. “Then I make thumbnails to compare and usually go over them with Ms. Allen.”

With planning, Guse has to carry out different planning processes for different levels of her artwork. 

“If it’s a difficult medium, I’ll practice techniques on a separate surface. Once I know what I want, I’ll sketch out proportions, composition, and important details, before really starting the piece,” said Guse. 

Along with Guse, Sophomore Melissa Mejia also had multiple pieces in both of the art shows.

“Altogether, I have two pieces; One is in the art show that will be presented here at school, and the other in the art gallery hoping for it to be sold,” said Mejia. “The art piece that I have in the art show…is a pencil drawing of an otter. and it took me about 3 weeks to make. The piece that is in the art gallery is an Acrylic painting of a yellow moon and blue mountains (which also happens to be the name of the painting). This one also took about 3 weeks, plus more time at home,” said Mejia.

Guse and Mejia both plan to continue their paths in art. 

“I plan on majoring in Fine Arts and Graphic design, as well as Business in order to build an art career,” said Guse.

Making art is something that Mejia has always found as a calming, enjoyable process. 

“Overall I hope to make more art, not only inspire people but to also guide people that nothing is impossible. I hope to continue enjoying the art world, as well as adding to it,” said Mejia. “I would love to have a job as an artist but if not possible, I would definitely enjoy it as it is and do it in my free time.”

To see their work, visit the Earth, Fire, & Pott

ery store, who will be showing their art pieces until the end of March. Or visit Rockbridge County High School from March 20-25 to view the display of designs and projects of students.