Music to the Eyes: A Spotlight on Glenelg's Visual Arts Department

By: Lex Bowen

Spring trip has come and gone. Hundreds of students packed up their bags, polished their instruments, and boarded a bus to Virginia. Two days later they returned, arms laden with trophies after a Glenelg sweep in every category.

The return of the performers echoes throughout the building. The hallways fill once again with the scattering of music and liveliness associated with the performing wing. Follow the framed trails of color and creativity through the halls, and the chaos tapers out, fading into a focused hush, broken only by the whisper of brushes and scratch of pencils against paper.

​The sounds of the visual arts department create a different kind of music, and no piece is complete without its conductors.

Greg English, head of the arts department, oversees the creation of many remarkable works of art alongside Adelina Ecker and photo/art 1 teacher Rachel Stein. All three are well respected by their students, who rely on them for guidance and aid.

“My appreciation for art has grown so much thanks to them”, said Raihna Predum, a current AP art student. “I see things in a completely different light now, and the classes are so fun.” 

The enthusiasm and support of the art teachers allow for the students to let their creativity run wild, taking risks and exploring new, unconventional ways to create art. 

Ecker, who teaches Art I and II, welcomes innovative minds each year, and helps students foster their passion for art, all while providing a safe space for artists to dip their toes into the realm of the creative. 

“I want students to leave my class with an appreciation for art and the importance of having a creative outlet,”  Ecker said. “I don't believe anybody is bad at art – it’s subjective and holds so many possibilities.” 

Ecker exposes students to a number of different materials and techniques, giving them room to grow and discover how art impacts their lives. Ecker said that she has always wanted to be a teacher, but really connected with art during her time at Reservoir High School, where she was inspired by the art department, and especially by English who was her teacher. 

Now as colleagues, once Ecker has helped students get started with their creative journey, she sends them next door to English who leads the Art 3, 4, and 5 AP classes.There is no way to understate the influence English has on his students. He encourages students to play into their strengths, and to explore mediums and subjects outside of their comfort zone, facilitating the growth of highly talented artists. 

English said that his favorite part about teaching art is forming meaningful relationships with his students, and helping them to reach their full artistic potential. 

“With the Arts comes some vulnerability, and I want students to feel like this is a safe space for them,” English said. 

His efforts to connect to his students and help them advance shine through Glenelg’s talented alumni, who often return during Glenelg’s annual alumni day. English puts in extra effort to organize a separate event where he invites his former students to discuss their current artistic careers and give advice to current art students. 

“It’s amazing to see former and current students finding themselves through their art,” English said. “From fashion and graphic design to art education, our students make a noticeable impact after graduation.” 

It’s not just the students that English helps to support. All the arts teachers, including performance arts teachers, rely on English to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and every student has what they need to succeed. The well-oiled machine of the Glenelg Arts department wouldn’t be able to function without his leadership.

Not to be outdone, while the photo department, run solely by Rachel Stein, is slightly separated from the rest of the art department, it is an integral part of Glenelg’s creative community. In contrast to the wide range of materials available to studio art students, photography students spend their time honing a set of specific skills, with help from Stein. 

Stein said that her own experiences with the arts had a huge impact on her life, and that she enjoys providing similar opportunities for students. 

"I try to be as available as I can to help students along the way as they build confidence in themselves,” Stein Said. “Similar to my own art practice, my teaching philosophy is heavily informed by discovery and play. I don’t want my students to have fear of making mistakes as it’s part of the process."

Whether it's music to the ears or music to the eyes, the creativity of both students and teachers is a significant part of what makes the school collectively great. Without the presence of our hard working art teachers, there might not be any murals on the walls, any color in the hallways, or any artwork in the display cases. 

The next time you’re out roaming the halls, follow the sound of a quieter type of music, and take care to stop and admire the efforts of all our talented artists, displayed proudly by Ecker, English, and Stein.