Art has the power to bring people together. Whether it be through music, literature, painting, theater, or dance, art has consistently been a way to build human connection and community. That’s why Deerfield High School is pleased to introduce its new art festival: Arts Alive.
Arts Alive is a five day event running from April 15th to April 20th that celebrates a wide range of artistic skills. It allows DHS students to observe professional works by artists and directly collaborate with them in a variety of workshops. DHS has always demonstrated a passion for the arts, and this festival serves as another example of the school’s commitment towards showcasing creative outlets to its students and community.
Mathew Agay, a Sophomore at DHS and student planner of the event, explains that the festival, “gives so many people a different perspective of the arts.”
Arts Alive boasts a diverse array of workshop classes. The festival provides lessons in theater, choir, dance, film and band. However, classes aren’t the only way DHS students can involve themselves in the event. On April 20th,students and community members are invited to an open house filled with a wide selection of art created by professionals around the area. From puppet shows to glass-blowing the event has something for everyone.
“I hope that Arts Alive increases community interest and engagement with the fine arts community at DHS, and allows a public showcase to see all of the amazing talent at our school.” said Mikey Evarts, a junior at DHS and host of the Arts Alive festival.
One of the biggest events in Arts Alive is a mural that will be created by a professional muralist alongside different student artists. The mural will be filled with words students use to describe their school. The aim of this project is to foster school spirit and uplift the students and staff of DHS .
Katherine Field, a sophomore at DHS and the head of Social media for Arts Alive told Deerprints that through the festival she wants to, “ bring the community together to appreciate all the different types of arts.”
Arts Alive is not just a showcase, the festival promotes a sense of community and inspires DHS students who may be interested in the fine arts. Tamara Jenkins, Director of Arts Festivals for both DHS and HP (Focus on the Arts), describes the arts as “A way to connect to the universal idea of what it is to be a human being.”
The festival hopes to create an inclusive environment where individuals, regardless of their prior interest in the arts, can become part of a vibrant community.
Tamara Jenkins adds that, “Meeting artists is meeting people who think outside the box.”
Arts Alive provides different age groups across District 113 and the broader community an opportunity to immerse themselves in creativity and new-found interests. The diversity of the workshops and presentations allows for a space where everyone can be themselves and have fun. If you are interested in the event, visit the DHS Arts Alive website, https://www.dhsartsalive.org/, and learn more about classes, involvement, and the open house.
