Expression Through Art

Gain a greater perspective on how students have grown in the Four Year Art Program.

The Four Year Arts Program at Christian Brothers has been home to many students wishing to showcase their talents in the arts. Logan Tipton (’15) and Marielena Encinas (’13), two members of the program, have come to appreciate the arts even more as they begin, and end their journey here at CB.

Logan is in the Four Year Arts Program in the choral department. As a freshman, he saw the arts program as an opportunity “to do what I love without having to miss any of it [choir] to do P.E. requirements”. The sophomore also used the program as a chance to combine his love of music and theater.

“I prefer musicals because they take both acting and music and put them together in one medium to perform at the same time.” said Logan.

As he begins his second semester in the program, he stated that it has exceeded his expectations — the sophomore has not only developed his talents, he has grown as a person. Logan shares in his passion for singing with Mr. Ron Slabbinck and they both are looking forward to having another successful year together in choir.

“Through choir I have learned quite a bit of music theory, gained self confidence by performing in the play and musical last year, and through all three have met and befriended many amazing new people of all grades,” he said.

With his increased understanding of music and support of faculty and friends, Logan is bound to have continued success in the program.

As an incoming freshman, art enthusiast Marielena Encinas thought “the [Four Year Arts] program was really daunting, but I was excited looking forward to what I would learn in the classes.”

The program has exceeded all of Marielena’s expectations for far. She feels she has become more skillful in all techniques and various mediums and the teachers have been very knowledgeable and helpful in her learning. Currently in Honors Drawing & Painting, taught by Mr. Kevin McGovern, the senior has worked with many mediums in the Four Year Arts program, including colored pencil, ceramics, paint, and pastel.

When asked about her favorite medium to work with, Marielena said, “I personally prefer colored pencil because when drawing, I have more control over the medium and how the drawing will turn out,” noting that sheeels her most impressive work of art is a colored pencil drawing of orchid blossoms and lilies with a tile background.

The one piece of advice the artistic senior has to students pursuing arts is to, “have fun with it!”

“Draw things that you enjoy and find interesting as well as becoming accustomed to various mediums”.

Logan Tipton and Marielena Encinas truly embody the spirit of artistic expression and the mission of the Four Year Arts program at Christian Brothers.