Disclaimer: Reporter Taylor Ana, who submitted artwork for the Chicagoland 4×5 Art Exhibition, did not take part in the writing of this article, although she did take the pictures published with the article.
Self-titled the “largest ‘small’ art exhibit in the nation,” OH has become the proud home to the Chicagoland 4×5 Art Exhibition, an event that showcases creativity and skill through student’s small, detailed artworks.
The show features art from various schools, each student limited to only 4-by-5-inch canvas to work with. And OH student talent was again a central part of this year’s exhibit on Nov. 5.
“The most unique part is that anything entered into the show has to be exactly four inches by five inches. That’s very different from most high school-level art competitions,” said OH art teacher Daniel Whipple. “Usually, you can make your piece whatever size you want, or sometimes galleries limit you based on wall space.”
OH students have very specific requirements that force them to work within a set of boundaries, or rather to create within this 4-by-5 box. This event brings out the best in every artist while testing their talent, showing what they can achieve when they’re limited like this, compared to how they can create whatever they want in other competitions.
Instead of viewing the size limitation as a restriction, students saw it as a challenge. It pushed them out of their comfort zones and helped them find new ways to express themselves through this event.
“For me, my art is just a form of self-expression, but also a way to show rather than tell the things I care about, like my family or the media I enjoy,” said OH senior Madison McNanna, who recently had her art displayed at ArtSpace Chicago.
As the Chicagoland Art Exhibition continues to grow each year, OH students hope that their work will inspire others to find their own creativity and understand the value of expression through art.
“Events like this, whether we’re hosting or just participating, help our community realize how important the arts are,” Whipple added. “They show that art connects to everything, and they highlight the incredible work our students do on a larger scale.”
For many OH students, participating in an event like this is much more meaningful than submitting a piece of art. It’s an opportunity to share their voice and be a chance to be a part of a larger art community.
“It’s very inclusive. You make lots of friends, and you get to do whatever you really want within the art community. You can explore new techniques, experiment, and it’s just really nice overall,” said OH senior Kim Bustamante.
This sense of inclusivity and belonging plays a factor of what makes the 4×5 event so meaningful and special.
Students are able to share their creativity in an environment that values collaboration, curiosity, and their own personal expression.
“We bring in college representatives so students can get feedback and make connections,” Whipple said.
“The jazz band plays during the opening for ambiance, the culinary students make all the food and hors d’oeuvres, and this year, some theater students acted as living sculptures, which was fun… and a little creepy when they moved,” he laughed.
All of these added factors help form the 4×5 Exhibition into more than just an art showcase, it really becomes a full experience.
The mix of the jazz band, the culinary students, and performance from the theater students gives the event an environment and energy that both students and visitors remember long after it ends. Additionally, awards are offered for participants. Locally, both high school, junior high, and faculty earned awards from the 4×5 Exhibition.
OH has hosted the Chicagoland 4×5 Art Exhibition for many years after its creation during the 1999-2000 academic year at Fremd High School.
This is my second year as a staff reporter for 42Fifty and I'm a Senior. You can contact me by emailing 42FIfty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!!
