Surprising lessons emerge when National Art Honor Society students link art and service

Laura Noriega ’18, a three-year member of the Visual Arts Conservatory, had always viewed sketching, drawing and her newfound love for watercoloring as a somewhat solitary pursuit with pencils, paint, brushes and canvas.
Then she and about 22 other visual arts students earned membership into the new Mayfield Chapter of the National Art Honor Society. The organzation brings together art educators, museum directors, scholars, professional artists, students and others to promote a shared belief in the power of the arts in developing human potential.
 
For our Mayfield artists this means that their work is far more than the impressive framed pieces proudly displayed in exhibitions. Our artists have made it their mission to use their gifts to serve others.

“I never thought of blending art and service,” said Laura, who is president of the NAHS this year. “It has just brought a whole new way of thinking about what we do as artists and is such a great experience.”

Visual Arts instructor Theresia Kleeman has inspired her students to think beyond the art studio with their work and said this organization provides the structure and opportunities to do so through art scholarship, service and character.

Focus on building community 

“We are focused on growing community relationships and using our creative skills through innovative art in action to serve the needs of others,” Mrs. Kleeman said.

Allison Zettlemoyer ’18, vice-president of the Mayfield chapter, and Laura both have published works featured in the recent winter edition of National Art Honor Society News, pages 15 and 49 with a Mayfield Chapter report on page 65. 

In its second year at Mayfield and under Mrs. Kleeman’s guidance, our NAHS students planned two major activities with the children from South Central LAMP, a ministry that serves economically poor women and their families. The organization was founded by eight communities of sisters, including the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

They are in the process of planning a third project this spring, likely using the natural beauty of the public Arlington Gardens in Pasadena as a backdrop for an art activity and possible exhibition.

Meaningful hands-on work

Yet what is has been most meaningful, students said, is the delightful, hands-on work with the little ones of SC LAMP.
Last fall our Mayfield chapter of NAHS worked with dozens of children to make calavera masks at the center while their parents attended a legal issues workshop. The activity was such a success with the children that SC LAMP officials invited Mayfield artists back to contribute their know-how during STEAM day.

But this service project came with a challenge: How do you engage and teach 4- to 7-year-old children about art and science all at once?

Mrs. Kleeman guided the students on how to teach the little ones about how to scale functions as an element of art by creating model solar systems with paper and paint to visually demonstrate scale at work in the vast universe.

Along the way our Mayfield NAHS artists learned a new lesson about creativity and letting go of conventions.

“I was so interesting to work with little kids, because I tend to have a set idea on how something should be done,” Laura said. “But the kids take your idea and do their own thing. They play with the paper and brush and make it fun and are not constrained.”

Claire Cruz ‘18 said she loved how the kids didn’t care so much about the technical skill of art, but “go for the vibrant colors and what appeals to them the most—like getting glitter all over their hands and face. There is such freedom in their art.”

Our National Art Honor Society members hope that the Mayfield chapter will continue to grow and deepen its service to others.

“If you are passionate about art this is a chance to no only develop your skills but build character by sharing your gifts with others,” Claire said. “I love the fact that I am able to intertwine my art with service that helps my community.”
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.