Reynolds High School recently unveiled its first-ever all-inclusive Reynolds Art Showcase, a collaborative exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of students from all visual arts classes.
This extraordinary event featured nearly 900 works of art, transforming the school's auxiliary gym into a vibrant gallery space that reflects the depth and diversity of the visual arts program. The showcase runs for students Wednesday April 9 and Thursday, April 10 with a free public opening on Thursday from 4-6 pm in the auxiliary gym on the R.J. Reynolds campus.
“The showcase brought together the efforts of six visual arts teachers and 36 different class sections, representing the full spectrum of Reynolds’ visual arts curriculum. As an arts magnet school, Reynolds has long celebrated its performing arts programs through school-wide performances. With the Reynolds Art Showcase, the visual arts department aimed to bring that same level of pride and visibility to its own students' talents,” said Visual Arts Department Chair Emily Beach.
"Our vision was to create a space where every visual arts student could see their work on display and feel a sense of ownership and pride. This showcase highlights not only our students' skills but also the incredible variety of courses we offer."
Beyond exhibiting student artwork, the showcase also provided valuable real-world learning experiences. Students were involved in curating the exhibition themselves, learning how to mount, present, and organize artworks for display. This hands-on involvement aligns with the new North Carolina Visual Arts Standards, which emphasize student participation in the presentation and reflection process.
The event also fostered cross-curricular collaboration throughout the school. Educators from non-arts disciplines brought their classes to visit the gallery, using the showcase as a springboard for interdisciplinary activities and discussions. Lesson plans were shared across departments, further weaving the arts into the broader academic fabric of the school.
Feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the chance to view and reflect on their peers' creativity in such a professional setting. The success of the showcase has sparked excitement about making it an annual tradition.
This initiative would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of Reynolds' new magnet coordinator, Rachel Stinehelfer, whose leadership played a key role in bringing the vision to life. The school’s PTSA also offered vital support, providing water and display tables for three-dimensional artwork.
The Reynolds Art Showcase has not only elevated the presence of the visual arts within the school community, but also reinforced the value of artistic expression as an essential part of student development. With such a strong debut, the showcase promises to be a cherished tradition for years to come.
The R.J. Reynolds Visual Arts Department consists of Emily Beach, Kenneth Mulwee, Trina Onson, Rachel Hall, Kelly Kotowski-Manns, Katie Waggoner, and Teaching Intern Rebecca Hoskins.
Submitted by Emily Beach, Visual Arts Department Chair for Reynolds High School