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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARQUETTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ARTWORK ON DISPLAY AT THE MARQUETTE MALL
Michigan City, Indiana - December 1, 2010 -- Marquette Catholic High School Principal  Mr. James. G. White announces today that "Self Expression Body Outlines" is an exhibition title for a selection of life size self-portraits by Marquette Catholic High School art students at Marquette Mall in Michigan City. This exceptional display will be up from December 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 for the public and students' families to enjoy. The project generated about 50 portraits on paper. Space limitation prevents all the artworks being exhibited at this time.
Ms. Dale Cooper, from the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, invited the students to exhibit their artworks at the Marquette Mall. Laurel Izard, Marquette's art teacher, had the students begin this process by filling out a "Body Outline Reflection" form. Favorite colors, hobbies, animals, etc were listed along with symbols that reflected the values held by the respective students. The students then generated two preliminary sketches on this questionnaire form. The students paired up in order to assist each other with the drawing of the life size body outline on the paper. Tempera paint was primarily used to transfer the symbols from the sketches to the actual outline drawing. Some students also used color pencils, color markers, and crayons. This ambitious project took two weeks for the students working during each daily art class. The completed "Self Expression Body Outlines" were displayed initially in the 3600 square foot art room and hallways. It is unusual for students to create such large artworks that reveal so much personal information visually. It will be curious for the viewers to "read" the personalities of the students based on the imagery collected in the outlines while displayed at Marquette Mall.
Laurel Izard, who is working her 4th year as the art teacher at Marquette Catholic High School says, "I am always amazed with the talent and intuitive design ability of these students. I am impressed that even though they have different skill levels, the body outlines are very successful. The drawings are unique because of the range of body poses, colors, and symbols."
In addition to teaching the art classes, Ms. Izard established a chapter for the National Arts Honor Society in 2009. She sponsors the Art Club and is moderator of the Sophomore class. As part of Marquette's Visual Arts curriculum the students participate in several field trips to Chicago to visit museums and galleries as well as to explore art in downtown Chicago's architecture. Marquette's art students are also helping with the installation of artworks in Marquette's new Art Exhibition Gallery as well as collaborating with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts (www.lubeznikcenter.org) in Michigan City.
Mr. White states, "I am very proud of what our Art Department has accomplished these last three years. When so many schools have to make cuts in the Arts, we are enhancing ours. We understand the importance of exposing our students to all facets of learning - and life. Educating the student mind, body and soul requires such exposure."
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