South’s art programs here at South are advanced in many ways, such as its brand-new facilities. South has the privilege of having two computer labs, a dark room, three kilns, drawing tablets and multiple pottery wheels, including a handicap accessible wheel.

South’s art teachers are not only extremely qualified, but also are led by tradition and their own expectations for themselves. Ceramics teacher Thomas Szmrecsanyi believes that South’s art teachers go the extra mile to support their students, and believe in putting forward new ideas.

“I would say part of our tradition is having high expectations for ourselves,” Szmrecsanyi said. “I think the fact that we’re motivated artistically and creatively definitely benefits the students, because we like to see them doing the same thing and having as many advantages as they can.”

Along with South’s facilities and qualified teachers, dedicated art students play a prominent role in what makes South’s art department stand out as a whole. Lily Gagnier ’26 feels art fest is a great way for all students to show off their art, even those you wouldn’t expect.

“I think we actually have a lot of very talented kids,” Gagnier said. “Especially people who don’t think about it that much. I think seeing everyone’s art at art fest, it turns out really good, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this person’s actually a really good artist,’ and you wouldn’t expect it.”

Applying to college can be extremely stressful. To help students, South’s AP art classes focus on helping students build their portfolios to get into art school, or just grow their resumes. Art teacher Alexander Finney mentions how in AP classes, students work as independent artists, giving them a college experience.

“A lot of kids build their portfolios to get accepted into art school,” Finney said. “I think we all already offer a college-level experience, so they’re more prepared than your average high school student, for sure.”

Grosse Pointe also has the advantage of being close to Detroit, where art, specifically murals, covers the city’s buildings and streets. The deep history so close to home can be inspiring to local artists, including South students.

“I think being in Metro Detroit, there’s a good art scene,” Finney said. “And we’re the heart of design for a lot of things in this country, and I think students can feed off that creativity.”

During the move from the IA building, along with the funding from the bond, South gained support from the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, the Mothers Club and others to acquire the supplies they needed.

“I think that says a lot about our broader community,” Szmrecsanyi said. “Because those are entities where there’s a group of people who get together that say, Let’s form this foundation, let’s do these good things, but then they’re also reaching out to the broader population and getting support from them.”