Community invited to 2 PHS art shows

Art for All Abilities Show

As part of his doctorate work, PHS art teacher Ryan Krippendorf has been exploring ways to modify art projects so anyone can do them.

PHS special education students can and do take art classes with the general population, but that approach does not work for every student, for various reasons. So Mr. Krippendorf has been working with PHS special education teachers Jaclyn Vater and Amanda Tauschek on a series of art projects tailored to the needs of their students.

Their first project was a Jackson Pollock-inspired painting: Each student was given a canvas, a smock, and squirt bottles filled with tempera paint and invited to create something that illustrated motion. Students then were able to use various art tools to refine their artworks.

“This was a huge undertaking,” Mr. Krippendorf said. “It required a lot of staff support. But the team here is really amazing! We were able to remove barriers, such as staffing and anxiety, and create a space that was inviting for the students.”

That initial result encouraged the team to collaborate on more projects. Continued success then led to discussion of an art show for a broader audience, giving the students a chance to be proud of their efforts.

Ms. Vater noted that the initiative benefits students in many ways:

• Art abilities
• Fine motor skills
• Social skills, such as interacting with another teacher, Panther Buddies, and friends
• Language and choice making, as they had to indicate what tools or colors they wanted to use
• Self-regulation skills throughout the duration of the lesson

“The lessons that were given were all differentiated to the variety of levels which we have in the classroom, so each piece is unique and 100 percent the student’s own work,” she said.

Family and community members are invited to the first PHS Art for All Abilities Show, which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday May 20 in the addition lobby (enter Door 18 on the south end of PHS).

PHS is presenting its fourth annual Senior Art Show to showcase the artistic talents of members of the Class of 2025.

The show will feature guitar music by Iris Johnson, refreshments, and artworks created by 10 PHS seniors:

• Ava Anderson
• Brooklyn Bersch
• Sophia Diaz
• Evelyn Enkhjargal
• Isaac Falk
• Gianna Flores
• Jesse Klippel
• Jayde Laubenstein
• Ky'la Pruitt
• Rian Schroeder

The 2025 PHS Senior Art Show will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday May 21 in and around the art room (Room C102; enter Door 3).