Irvington’s Art: How People Are Creating in Ms. Schmertz’s Art Classes

By Julianna Flamm

Recently Ms. Schmertz has been on leave, so her art classes have been run by a substitute teacher. This substitute teacher recently went on vacation, so they are now being taught by a “sub for a sub.”

The art students in Drawing and Painting have mixed views on the class right now.

9th grader Eliza Ansari stated that, “It’s been okay, you know, it’s quite an adjustment because I’ve already known Ms. Schmertz for two years now, so I’m very comfortable with her, whereas having a sub is just like getting to know a different person and their teaching style and whatnot, but it’s nothing too hard to adjust to.”

Other students are less affected by the change. For example, 9th grader Jo Shupe was asked about the art class and replied with a joking answer:

“It’s very skibidi.”

Under their substitute teacher, the Drawing and Painting students are finishing up their unit on figure drawing. For the past few classes, 9th grader Sal Banino has sat on a chair in the center of the room for the students to draw. Despite the seemingly boring task of sitting still for a full period, Sal is happy to be able to contribute to the class.

“Helping out like this makes me happy since I don’t often get to help out students who have very similar passions to me, so it’s worth it to me to sit here and be a little uncomfortable in order to help out the art students,” said Sal when asked about their experience.

Many students in Drawing and Painting seem to be enjoying the class in general. 9th grader Cozmo Jimenez explained how Drawing and Painting is helping students on their art journeys in a fun and interesting way.

“In Drawing and Painting, you obviously draw and you paint, but you draw different things for every project and you use different materials to execute your idea and show how you’re feeling. You really express stuff and it’s pretty cool.”

Cozmo’s positive outlook on the class is seen in most of the other students as well. Even though there have been complications with the teachers, students in Ms. Schmertz’s art classes have found a way to keep working hard and creating amazing pieces of art.