District Art Show More than Pictures on a Wall

Every student in the Upper Moreland School District had the opportunity to have his or her piece of art displayed in the district-wide art show last week. Though the installation only hung for a couple of hours, art teacher Katrina Nuss said the show was important to the students as well as the community.

“We really stress the importance of representing every student; we don’t judge any of the pieces like some districts do,” Nuss said. “To have the experience of exhibiting artwork, and getting feedback in the community … it’s really uplifting.”

Artwork lined the halls of the high school; guests were first greeted by the works of AP students and high school seniors. Nuss said seniors who have taken art for a number of years at the high school, including a several art electives, are treated to a mini show of their own, replete with a bio, a purpose and a message. 

Tie the art in with the live music provided by the students, and you really get something of a gallery vibe, Nuss said.

Recently, the show has also helped future art students in the district.

The visual arts program is struggling in many school districts, including Upper Moreland, Nuss said. 

At the primary level, the k-through-2 art program was reduced to a half-year program so that the teacher could also work at the high school. There is also a middle school art teacher who is going to retire, though it’s not certain when, Nuss said.

“The budget controls the programming,” Nuss said, “so they’re stretching what teachers can do. There aren’t any layoffs planned [for the upcoming budget], and the assistant superintendent said in the past that the district is going to have art in every building. Hopefully she’ll keep that promise.”