Although full online learning has required all of Palo Verde’s teachers and students to adapt, art classes have been among some of the most difficult courses to change. Because most art supplies and instant teacher feedback are provided in the classroom, many students have had to find new ways to continue to grow as artists. 

“I think I will start to enjoy doing ceramics at home better but as of right now it is much easier to do it at school because all of the supplies are already there for you and there is already a clear workspace for you to use,” said junior Brinkley Pullan. “Overall it has been a good learning experience!”

Since many students do not have access to the same materials that they would in the classroom, teachers have encouraged students to make due with whatever they have at home. Students are also able to buy materials online and pick up clay from a local pottery studio, but those materials can be expensive and take a long time to be delivered. 

I think art is one of the hardest classes to be online for because you need the most supplies for an art class,” said senior Maddux Callaway. “I don’t prefer doing my art at home when it’s for school. I’m less motivated and probably won’t spend as much time on it or focus as much as I would’ve in school.”

For the majority  of students, the main issue with art classes at home isn’t the lack of supplies but rather the lack of teacher feedback. Without a teacher close by to provide advice on individual projects, students have found it difficult to find motivation to improve. 

“I’m getting the hang of it but it is a little weird,” said senior Nadia Chavez. “It’s hard to ask for help because it’s not in person.”

Despite these challenges, Palo’s art teachers have continued to do their best to provide students with assignments that will provide them with the knowledge that they need to do art on their own. In the ceramics classes, students started off the year by making “About Me” presentations and studying different ceramics topics to present to the class. Other art classes, particularly the AP and IB ones, have continued to work on projects that they had started last year. 

Although art classes look very different this year, both students and teachers alike have found new ways to continue learning and growing.

“It’s hard to find a pro in this certain circumstance,” says Callaway, “but thankfully Palo has great art teachers and mine have been good at adapting to teaching this way and helping us stay on top of things!”