Art students at Tech High School had the opportunity to work with multi-disciplinary artist Willicey Tynes on the important topic of “You Matter.” Tynes has worked with Tech art teacher Jennifer Furcht on several occasions with other students from St. Cloud Area School District 742. Their art theme, “You Matter,” is especially relevant after coming back together from COVID and experiencing societal and mental health issues.
“We seem to be at such a tipping point in society right now,” says Tynes. “There’s lots of opinions going around. In those opinions, it could be lost, the fact that everyone has a voice and can display their individuality. For this project, I have something in mind, but I want to bring them [the students] in. I want them to present what ideas they consider to be their interpretation of ‘You Matter.’ And so, we’ll use some of their interpretations and incorporate them into the mural. It helps students respond favorably to the message.”
The mural will be visible on the second floor of Tech, above the lockers, for all students to see.
“I believe it’s important to have an artist in the classroom for a few reasons:” explains Furcht, “either working together on a piece of art or creating art for an art gallery show gives them the total experience from drafting, creating, art statements and explanation of artwork, to an art show and exhibition.
Tynes grew up in the Bahamas and moved to Minnesota in 2003. His art career started at the age of seven when he drew a picture of “Garfield.” When he showed it to neighborhood kids, they didn’t believe him. So, he continued to draw. Later in high school, he won his first art contest.
When Tynes moved to Minnesota, he created his art here (at his art studio at the Paramount) but went back to the Bahamas to showcase his art. He was established and recognized there. The majority of his work has been public art.
He had to ask himself, “How do I engage with my community here?”
Tynes’s artistic approach was different than what Minnesotans were used to. So, he connected with local non-profits like the Minnesota Arts Board and area schools to begin art residencies working with students. He believes that if you want to connect with your community through art, you start with a school.
“Residencies with art students are really customized,” shares Tynes. “We consider where the students are, what they are trying to accomplish and what kind of experiences they want to have. Even though we come in with a plan, sometimes the plans are modified.”
The first thing Tynes notices when he does a residency with students is their fear and intimidation. So, he gets to know the students by discussing what the theme means to them. He assures them by reminding them that when he started, he didn’t know anything about art. He expresses that it took someone taking the time to show him what art could be to develop his own skills and shares that he is there to do the same.
“By the end of the first week,” admits Tynes, “they calm down and begin to show me things and even pull out their personal journals. They ask me questions and it’s really neat to see that evolutionary process.”
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