In living color: IMG hosts Mescalero student art show
Under the direction of Mescalero Apache High School art teacher Marty Lane, the art of Mescalero High School students will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, White Mountain and Sierra Blanca rooms.
The idea to have a student art show began last year when Inn of the Mountain Gods Marketing Director Sarah Kazhe-Kirgan saw the student's art and pitched it to Lane. From start to finish, the process has been a meaningful one for the students and Lane.
"They're learning a lot of technical skills," Lane said. "They're learning a lot about how to see, how to perceive shapes and edges and values in drawings. They're learning about the technical process of printmaking and design. Learning how to get something in your head and put it down on a piece of paper, or on a linoleum block or on a montage then into somethings that translates into something meaningful."
The students have a lot of freedom while creating their works but must follow specific set of guidelines within an assignment. The students use natural objects and still life for an assignment. They're even using the tribe's sacred Mescal plant to create their final projects of the year.
"We've got it (a Mescal plant) right here in the art room," Lane said. "I'm watching them put canvases together, drawing and start to paint the canvases. It's a really cool project."
Junior Alex Kaydahzinne enjoys sketching and painting. The class has helped him step out of his comfort zone and explore new ideas.
"I do work I've never done before and turn it into my own work," he said.
Kaydahzinne said the skills he's gaining now are laying the foundation for a lifetime of art. His charcoal drawings, and possibly a painting, will be on display at the show.
Art is nothing new for senior Velaina Kadayso, she's has drawn for years and loves watercolors in particular, but the class has helped her advance, expand and perfect her skills.
"Ms.Lane is an excellent teacher, she has taught me so much," Kadayso said.
Lane is delighted with her students' progress and her own growth because of teaching the class.
"This is the best job I've ever had, I can't believe it," she said.
Guests will also have the ability to purchase artwork from students. The artwork will be judged for best in show. Call 575-464-4431 for more information.
