The Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) welcomed some very special guests to its October 5 meeting at the Oyster Catcher Community Center—and what began as a Guild meeting became a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community invests in its young people.
Joining the SIAG meeting were Sean Bishton, principal of St. Johns High School; Dana Brown Hunter, art teacher; and two St. Johns students, Jesus Osorio and Ashanti Brown. Their visit came at the invitation of the SIAG board, which wanted to create something more meaningful than simply writing a check to support the school’s art program. The SIAG board wanted Guild members to meet the educators and students who benefit from their support—to hear their stories, see their enthusiasm, and understand firsthand how the arts can expand a student’s world.
For the past two years, SIAG has donated several thousand dollars to the art programs at St. Johns High School and Haut Gap Middle School, the two local public schools with art programs. The contributions help provide both consumable supplies and enrichment materials that might otherwise be difficult to fund. Principal Bishton offered the Guild an inspiring perspective on why that support matters. He explained that St. Johns is a Title I school and that much of the available financial support is directed toward core academic areas such as reading, mathematics, and science. While those subjects are essential, he emphasized that the fine arts can open entirely different pathways for students—particularly students who might otherwise have limited opportunities to discover their creative abilities.
The impact of the Guild’s support was summed up beautifully by Principal Bishton: “Thank you for not just saying things—but doing things.” Those words resonated throughout the room.
Turning the spotlight toward the students and their teacher, each described what the St. Johns art program means to them. The students spoke enthusiastically about experiences in sculpture, ceramics, painting techniques, and textile arts. These opportunities, they explained, have not simply taught them artistic skills; they have expanded their school experience and introduced them to creative possibilities they might never otherwise have encountered.
One student shared that creating art had become more than a classroom activity. Her artwork had provided a safe place and a way to cope while working through difficult personal challenges. Another student provided a different but equally insightful moment when he enthusiastically explained how he loves to sculpt figures that are characters from video games and Disney characters he feels especially connected to.
For the artists in the room, that testimony offered a powerful reminder: sometimes a paintbrush, a piece of clay, a sculpture or a piece of fabric can become much more than an art project. It can become a means of expression, a source of confidence, and a place where a young person can begin to discover who they are.
Following the presentation, the students and faculty visited the Living Room Gallery at the Seabrook Island Real Estate office before traveling to the Lake House, where they viewed a wide variety of artwork created by SIAG members. At the Lake House, the young man Kason who works at the desk, jumped up when he saw the art teacher and hugged her. He had her as an art teacher when he was a student. As for the art displayed at the Lake House, the students said, “I find a lot of inspiration from seeing the vast amounts of art, topics and mediums. I really like that clay piece called, ‘Talking to Myself’!”
For the young artists, it was an opportunity to see where creativity can lead. For the Guild members, it was an opportunity to see their own mission come full circle.
Investing in the Next Generation
This year, SIAG is once again putting its commitment to local students into action. The Guild will raise money for the local public schools by asking each Guild member to contribute $20 toward the school art programs. In addition, SIAG will contribute 10 percent of the gross sales from its upcoming Holiday Market on November 27. Additional fundraising opportunities are also being explored.
The goal is about much more than purchasing art supplies. It is about opening doors. It is about making sure a student who discovers a passion for sculpture has clay to work with; a student who wants to paint has the materials to experiment; a student fascinated by textiles has the opportunity to learn how to turn that interest into art. Perhaps most importantly, it is about making sure that young people know their community believes their creativity has value.
The Seabrook Island Artist Guild was founded on a simple but powerful idea: artists have something to share. Their skills, experiences, passion, and creativity can enrich an entire community. But that responsibility does not end with today’s artists; it extends to the next generation. When a community supports its schools, it does more than provide supplies; it provides opportunities. When it supports young artists, it does more than encourage creativity; it tells young people that their ideas matter, their talents matter and their future matters.That is the kind of investment that can last a lifetime.
And sometimes, the most important thing a community can give a young artist is not simply a paintbrush or a piece of clay. It is the message: We see you. We believe in you. And we want to help you discover what you can become.
-Submitted by Rod Morris for SIAG
(Image credit: SIAG)