Omina Abdurakhmonova - Staff Reporter
OH hosted its fourth year of Mini Portfolio Day last week, giving student artists the opportunity to connect with college representatives, earn feedback and explore future careers in the art field.
“Mini portfolio is essentially where we have a bunch of colleges that are art schools or have art programs come in and review our portfolio so that we can share, get feedback, and improve our artwork,” said OH senior National Art Honor Society (NAHS) President Leona Bateman.
During the event, students presented their portfolios and sketchbooks to college representatives, who offered feedback and suggestions for improving their work.
As October marks Depression Awareness Month, students at OH are encouraged to recognize the signs of depression, understand the importance of mental health, and support those who may be struggling.
“Ordinary sadness is a natural human emotion that we all feel at times,” said OH school psychologist Gina Robuck. “Depression is something that's more persuasive, longer lasting and more profoundly impacting on everyday functioning.”
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition), commonly referred to as the DSMV, depression is more than a sad feeling on a difficult day. It can affect how people think, feel, behave, and function in their daily lives. Symptoms may include losing interest in hobbies, changes in sleeping or eating habits, difficulty concentrating in class, and withdrawing from friends and family.
OH has been recognized for the strength of its Fine Arts programs by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) with the School of Distinction Award. The recognition emphasizes the work of OH students and teachers across multiple areas of the arts.
According to Fine Arts Department Chair Michael Skura, the recognition has been the result of growth within the department.
“When I first became a department chair back in 2004, I had a five year plan,” Skura said. “By 2010, our kids were just really doing incredible work.”
The Fine Arts Department teaches about a wide range of artistic disciplines and mediums, including sculpture, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, digital art and photography. Skura said the department’s success comes from the relationship between teachers, students and their shared effort to produce creative and strong work.