Art classes are often just seen as electives, but not always what they really are. Sure, art is a class students take for fun, or because it fills their schedule; but what many students don’t realize is how much meaning and interactiveness these classes have to offer. 

Through interviews with our two art teachers, Mrs. O’Connell (Spins) and Mrs Malebranche,  it becomes clear art goes far beyond creating things; it instills confidence, growth, and connection in Manchester students, all built and sustained in the program.

When asked which art course is the most interactive or engaging, both teachers had strong opinions.

“For me, my 2D art class,” says Spins. “It is a class people choose instead of having to take it. The growth they have from the beginning of the class to the end is my favorite thing to see.”

That idea of growth shows how personal art can be. It is not about being perfect from the start, but rather, how perfection develops over time, showing you (slowly) how art doesn’t always need to be exactly how you imagined it; art ebbs and flows until it becomes what it wants to be.

Malebranche, on the other hand, chose her 3D design class. 

“It is by far the most interactive. It involves a lot of different mediums and materials,” Malebrance explains. “I like that students work with materials that they have never really had exposure to, which gives them the ability to collaborate, problem solve, and overcome challenges.”

Art is not just creative; it is hands-on and social. Students learn how to think outside of the box, adapt to new things, and work together.

“We constantly hear the line, ‘I don’t even know how to draw a stick figure,’” says Spins. “My answer to that is, that’s why you should take my c;ass. It’s my skill in life to show people how to art.”

The mindset shows a whole other side people tend to not really see–art is not just for the people who are good at it; it is for everyone. It becomes something you grow into, not something you are expected to already know.

Both teachers were asked what inspired them to become art teachers:

“My high school art teacher–Harry Bower,” Spins said. “He noticed I had taken art every year…he asked me why didn’t I go to art school … he noticed what I never noticed. I wanted to be for my students what he was for me.”

Malebranche’s response came from her inspiration and desire of loving to create:

“I really enjoyed making things growing up. Any project that I did for school, I tried to take the most creative route possible, because I love expressing ideas visually. I enjoyed art in education because it spoke out to my unique learning style,” Malebranche said.

This connects to something a lot of students feel: art can be a space for people who think differently–for students who might not always connect with traditional learning.

Manchester Township High School art classes are more than just electives–they are spaces filled with inspiration. They are a place where students can grow, experiment, and express themselves without the fear of judgement.