While classrooms are often filled with textbooks and notetaking, this Hingham Highschool program allows for students to learn through the pursuit of their own creativity and art. Classes such as Drawing and Painting, Photo and Graphic Designs, Drama, Wheelthrowing, and Ceramics make up the Highschool Arts Program, and are all offered to students who desire the opportunity to express their artistic abilities.
Whether they are showcasing their creative skills through shaping clay pots or singing melodic songs, the Hingham high students are able to develop their talents alongside their peers. For many students, the Art’s program has become a defining part of their high school experience. Wheel Throwing student Bo Wilson claims, “Art is a way to escape my classes, and go into a world where I am free to be myself.” Art is not just creating projects for these students, it is creating self expression and discovering who they are.
Mr. Eschauzier, commonly known to his students as Mr. Eshow is the Drawing and Painting, and Photo and Graphic Design teacher. Although his drawing and Painting II and III classes are not offered this year, he continues to inspire high school students to push themselves to their greatest potential. In high school, Mr. Eshow found comfort in art courses, allowing him to escape from the constant pressure of grades and lectures. He now provides this same comfort to his students. A student in his Drawing and Painting I class, Margot Weibly, explains, “Mr. Eshow showed me how art is a form of both self expression and self care”. Mr Eshow not only strives to influence his students, but also sets them up for success as he prepares upperclassmen who plan to pursue the arts in their college years. He now encourages students who might not have confidence in themselves to indulge in an art course.
As for other courses within the fine arts, theater auditions for the fall play have recently taken place. Although it might be difficult to top last year’s The Drowsy Chaperone starring Graeme Baker and Annie Daly, this year Ms. Fish auditioned from September eighth to tenth to put together a cast that will perform in this year’s musical, Footloose. One of the theater program’s makeup artists, sophomore Chloe Salerno, expresses, “I’m really looking forward to the musical and working with people since it is always such an energetic environment”. She is one of many who have found a tight woven community within the Hingham arts program.
It has become clear that we as a Hingham Highschool community benefit from the Arts that surround us. Even if you do not participate in a course, simply attending a play or looking at a piece of artwork can spread awareness of the students who represent Hingham High school.
