Sussex Central High School is setting the standard for a school art department — not only in the region, but throughout the state. Advancements in the program over the past several years have benefitted students, recognizing their hard work and unsurpassed talent. As art director and teacher Judith Loeber explained, many of the advancements are attributed to the generous donations made by artists within the community.
“Most schools,” Loeber explained, “especially in Sussex County, aren’t incorporating technology in the art room like we want to. We’ve come a long way, but we still want to do a lot more.”
The Southeast Delaware Artist Studio Tour (SEDAST) has taken aim in the years past to lend a hand to schools throughout the district kick-starting their departments, and this year, their $1,500 donation will do so once again.
“We’re using the donation for a smart board,” said Loeber of SCHS’s plans for the grant. “It’s a large interactive board that you can write over the slides. It will help with a variety of aspects in the classroom.”
The November tour’s biggest money-maker is the “Art in the Hat” raffle, where each participating artist donates a creation that is raffled off to tour patrons. Proceeds benefit art programs at area schools.
A number of students have seen beneficial improvements from the donation that has since permitted them to practice their skills. Technological developments, from the school’s newspaper, the “Knightly News,” and Web design to individuals’ performances, have shown through with the growing success of the school’s art program. Students have taken on Photoshop drawings, working almost entirely with computer software. Last year, money from SEDAST went toward a printing press for Sussex Central that has since opened the doors for all types of creations from students.
Central student David Luna was even recognized last month for his first-place computer animation in the National Scholastic Arts and Writing competition, which was awarded at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
“It’s great,” said Luna. “A lot of people didn’t have this opportunity when they were younger. The most amazing part was actually going up on stage to be recognized in front of thousands of people clapping while U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’ was playing in the background. It was exhilarating.”
Loeber stated that some of this year’s money will go towards an animation lab, which will offer more opportunities for students for years to come, too.
“All of these students are on different paths,” she said, “but they’re using a lot of techniques and tools that overlap, and these things will help guide them.”
Financing for the art department has been a struggle.
“We’re fighting a losing battle [when it comes to funding],” she added. “We don’t want people to overlook the art program like they have been. It’s tough, because our budget’s been cut, and we’re seeing more and more talented students come out for art.”
Loeber hopes to expand the programs already offered, as well as add an Advanced Placement art design area in the near future.
Track coach and assistant art teacher Steve O’Boyle may have transferred to Central last year from the city, but he is ambitious of the potential that the department has, even in rural Sussex.
“I think it’s hard,” he said. “Whether you’re a coach or a teacher, you need support from the faculty and from the parents. I’m fortunate, because I was thrown into this. We had the same drive starting up north that they’re trying to establish here, but this is set up [in Sussex County], exactly how they need to be.”
He recommends an assertive role to get the job done.
“If the funds aren’t available,” he said, “we really need to step up like this and fight for it. Things have to give here. You really learn to ‘Dumpster dive’ for products, sources and anything you can for cheap. I’m still learning a lot of things, but all we’re doing is giving back to the kids. You can’t put a price on that.”
Sussex Central isn’t the only area school benefiting from SEDAST’s generosity. Indian River High School’s art department received a donation this year of $1,000. In the past, they have been able to purchase a potter’s wheel, while an etching and printing press are in the works for this coming year. Lord Baltimore Elementary and Selbyville Middle School will each receive $500 from SEDAST this year to help compensate for recent budget cuts and under-financing.