Alex in Action
NEIRAD enilno edition
Among the unique banners, beautiful t-shirt designs, and now colorful posters aligning the hallways of Darien High School comes an array of art work that is about to expand in the depths of a new club. The person behind these gifted pieces of art is junior Alex Pear who has recently created Art for Action, a club that offers the services of the artistically gifted at DHS to other clubs and organizations in our school’s community. Neirad sat down with Alex to ask her a few questions about her inspiration for this club and how other students at DHS are getting involved.
What made you decide to start your Art for Action Club?
“I started Art for Action because I love art and have been looking for a way to get involved in the community in a meaningful way. Looking at the posters haphazardly hung around school and then at the amazing artistic ability of many DHS students, I saw a real potential for change and a way to make a meaningful difference while doing something I love. I was inspired to use the power of art as a call for action to help the community.”
What is the main goal of the Art for Action Club and how are you looking to benefit Darien High School with the creation of it?
“The club is designed to harness Darien students’ creative ability and put it towards promoting good causes in our school. The phrase I came up with, "helping others help others," describes the domino effect the club hopes to precipitate.”
“Art for Action is basically an in-school design agency, whether by promoting a club, a specific event, raising money or awareness. A club comes to us with a project and supplies us with some money for materials. We then design and produce T-Shirts, posters, banners, web graphics (like ones you can put on the DHS website, on the TVs around school, or in emails), logos, or websites for them. We can even brainstorm creative marketing ideas for them.”
Are there any recent projects you have completed or projects that you are currently planning to work on?
“Although we are still in the middle of our membership drive, we already have a bunch of projects lining up! We're currently collaborating with clubs like DAWG, Invisible Children, and the Save Our Soldiers Club. (Even before the club launched, I worked with the Community Fund of Darien to design the Volunteer Fair T-shirt. This represents the type of work Art for Action will do at DHS.)”
Speaking of the membership process, who are some of the talented artists that have joined so far?
“First of all, Mr. Sorensen is our teacher advisor. We have a really talented team so far. Some of the members include Elyssa Ganser, Paris LaRock, Katie Southworth, and Haley Clifford. Our first formal meeting will be next week.”
“The club is still looking for more members, so anyone is welcome to join, even if they aren't really artistic! We need help with the silk-screen process, hanging up posters, or even just giving input on our designs. For those who have an artistic calling, Art for Action will give them an opportunity to manage a project and use their talent to make a visible difference here at DHS.”
What has the process of launching the club been like?
“So far, the experience of launching the club has been encouraging. The DHS administration, teachers, and students have all been supportive, helpful, and enthusiastic. We at Art for Action are totally committed to making this club a permanent and positive force at Darien High School.”
Make sure to check out junior Alex Pear’s new club Art for Action if you want a chance to artistically make a difference within the DHS community or are looking for artistic aid for your club or organization.
For more information you can contact Alex at apear@darienps.org
