Highland tARTanFEST Brings Community Together

On Tuesday, students, parents, and teachers alike gathered at Highland to attend tARTaFEST, an annual event created to showcase all of the art programs Highland has to offer.

“I don’t remember how many years we’ve been doing [tARTanFEST], probably at least fifteen years,” Highland art teacher Jean VanderToolen said.  “There was some debate at one point of whether to charge for it or not, and we pushed for not charge.  We felt like if we’re celebrating the arts, this needs to be a free event for families.”

TARTanFEST was designed to provide a free look at all aspects of the art department, and that was certainly not forgotten this year.  With performances from band, orchestra, choir, theater, and dance all taking place in the commons area throughout the two-hour event, there was always somewhere to direct your attention.

Aside from the performances occurring at tARTanFEST, there were art displays of all sorts scattered along the walls.  Work from 3D design, ceramics, photography, and classic art classes could all be found with no two pieces looking the same.  As well offering a wide variety of art to look at, there were demonstrations to allow attendees to see how some of the art was made.

One demonstration was led by ceramics students who had brought wheels and clay into the open area surrounded by art.  Another demonstration was put on by art students who were given the opportunity to create a small painting while people watched.

From woodshop to theater, Highland tries to represent all of the art community at this event.

“We try to involve everyone that wants to be involved,” VanderToolen said.

Art students and teachers at Highland want as many people to attend as possible, and one way they tried to make that happen was by offering food at the event.  This year, The Penguin Brothers were selling ice cream sandwiches to people who came to the event.

This event has generated an abundance of love extending beyond the art community at Highland, and everyone involved hopes the tradition will carry on to bring joy to future art students.