Marissa Day ’14 | Managing Editor

The time of year has come for painters, sculptors, photographers and computer graphics students to step into the spotlight. South’s annual ArtFest opens in the Multipurpose Room Wednesday, March 20 and lasts until Saturday, March 23 to 2 p.m., art teacher Kit Aro said.

In preparation for the event, students had to label and finish pieces in time to be featured in ArtFest, Aro said. Different art teachers had different requirements for their students, but all required at least one piece from each student to be put on display.

“I expect my students to all submit something,” said Aro. “We want the show to include first level people as well as seniors; it’s not a senior show, it’s for all art students. Our goal is to have every art student have something in the show.”

Art teacher Micki Buksar-Cecil said student preparation for the event usually comes down to the wire, up until the opening. While it is an extremely hectic process, she said the program is the closest high school students come to what professional artists do these events.

“If it were one individual artist getting ready for a show it can be chaotic,” said Buksar-Cecil. “With 300 plus students it can be a lot to handle, but it’s a good thing. This is the students’ opportunity to showcase their work and they’re very proud of their work and we’re proud of them; I think it’s going to be a very successful show.”

Unlike its previous years, ArtFest has more students than ever. There are 20 AP students, which is two times the class size compared to prior AP classes, Aro said. Additionally, people can expect to see multiple award winning art pieces, including seven Gold Key Portfolio winners and 49 individual winners.

Besides having their pieces on display, many art students choose to put a price on them. Students can choose what price they want to sell their work at, and, if it sells, they keep 80 percent of the price while 20 percent goes back to the Art Department for the cost of materials and fundraising.

“Some kids choose to give 100 percent back to the Art Department, so it’s their choice,” said Aro.

One of the biggest changes to the program this year is its focus on fundraising. This year the department hopes to reach the remaining funds needed to finish up the new computer lab, called ‘The MIX.’ The department hopes to buy a few more computers and chairs for the labs, as well as other supplies needed for the room, Suzy Fishback, Co-chair of the ArtFest Committee said.

“The purpose (of ArtFest) is a celebration but we have turned it into a little bit of a fundraiser because it is really the one opportunity the department has to get the attention of the public,” said Fishback. “A lot of our planning process has kind of revolved around making funds in order to buy computers for that digital lab so we can make it into a reality.”

This year the ArtFest committee has created a raffle featuring prizes they hope can help raise the extra funds needed to get the digital lab for the Art Department. Some prizes include gift certificates to restaurants like Andiamo’s and Jump’s, as well as jewelry from Edmund T. Ahee and Chan Luu, donated by various businesses in the community.

Tickets cost $5 or 5 for $20 and can be purchased through the Mother’s Club website and Art Department website, said Fishback. They can also be purchased during ArtFest. The drawing for the prizes will take place on Saturday, March 23.

One thing Fishback hopes community members take away from ArtFest is the impact the Art Department has on South and the community. Like sports and the performing arts program, the art department has been growing its student interest and is making its name known throughout the district.

“It’s like their Super Bowl, it’s their playoffs, it’s their opportunity to really get some exposure and really get highlighted about their accomplishments,” said Fishback. “The takeaway for the community is that there are so many different parts of Grosse Pointe South. There’s the Art Department which kind of has a little heartbeat of its own going on.”