Art and Life at Rancho Solano

With clubs, competitions, and community projects, Rancho gives artists plenty of ways to share their creativity.

As we settle back into school during the months of August and September, the decision about which clubs we will join this year is upon us once again. At Rancho Solano, there are a wide variety of clubs available to students that allow them to express themselves and connect with each other. Participating in clubs allows those with similar interests to join together and work towards a cause they are passionate about. For students who are interested in visual art, the National Art Honor Society is a program that prides itself on carrying out community-based projects and supporting the art events at our school. Members of the club vote democratically to select the projects they will focus on.

NAHS Mustang Mural at Rancho Under the Stars.

NAHS already has a list of exciting new activities they will be participating in this year—one of them being the famous community art activity that is set up at our Rancho Under the Stars event. Last year, we set up a canvas with a design outlined in pencil on the busy sidewalk of our school. Those who walked past were able to add their own paint onto the canvas until eventually each brushstroke came together to create a powerful mix of red, yellow, and blue. These community projects that NAHS hosts every year unite students, just as each brushstroke blends to form a masterpiece. To further foster creativity throughout our school, the National Art Honor Society will be offering face painting. Art teacher, Ms. Berech says that NAHS is also interested in “beautifying the school” by possibly “painting the garage door windows to celebrate Spanish culture and art.”  

Opportunities for students fascinated with visual art do not stop at our school’s National Art Honor Society. There are a plethora of competitions and events that artistic individuals can partake in each year. Ms. Berech tells us that she will be “encouraging our art students to participate in the National Scholastic Art Competition, the Tempe Arts Festivals, and the Congressional Art Competition,” along with other opportunities that she finds this year. Taking part in these competitions allows those pursuing a career in art to build a strong portfolio and sets them apart from other college applicants. Some programs even award winners with cash prizes, national recognition, or grants. While Rancho Solano does an outstanding job at preparing us for college, it is also a place where students can find a community, no matter what they might be interested in.