Following a hiatus, a vibrant art department returns to a local high school with a number of young artists ready to hone their skills and develop their craftsmanship.
Led by local artist George Dixon, the art department at Yazoo City High School returned this year with face-to-face instruction following the pandemic and an absence of the program prior to COVID. About 53 students are divided into three classes, and they are already preparing for their first local exhibit.
Dixon said he anticipates the students’ work to be on display at the Ricks Memorial Library in December. He said the public exhibit will allow the students to showcase the pieces they have been working on so far this school year.
“The plan is to eventually make this a traveling exhibit to places, such as Canton, Ridgeland and more,” Dixon said.
YCHS student Jasmine Ollie said she has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the art program, adding that she has an eye for color and is interested in learning about more mediums.
“I like to experiment with colors,” Ollie said. “Ombre is my favorite effect.”
Fellow student Elester Banks admits that he was unsure about the art program at first. Unfamiliar with techniques, he went into the instruction with an open mind to learn more.
“I was put in this class not knowing what all art was about,” Banks said. “It ended up being more than what I expected it to be.”
Growing up, Banks said he enjoyed “scribbling” different things, and it was a common way for him to express himself. But through the class, his skills are developing, and he said he wants to learn more about drawing, specifically landscapes.
Instructor Dixon said he is excited to see how the students will develop over the remainder of the school year. He intends to introduce the students to more mediums, including photography, wood carving and sculpting.
“You don’t have to draw to be an artist,” Dixon said. “It is the design. I am excited to see where this art department goes.”
