RJ Reynolds is an Arts Magnet school, meaning every student here can take an extensive range of art classes to help explore their creative side and grow artistically. This is precisely what seniors Caroline Thorton and Stanton Brown have been doing for the past four years.

    “One of the reasons I came to Reynolds was for the ceramics program because I was interested in that,” Thorton said. “I like how they have higher levels of ceramics, 3D art, and you don’t just have to do one certain art form.

    Having the ability to take many different types of art classes within our school has allowed many students, including Thorton and Brown, to find exactly what style they enjoy and excel at.

    “I have done everything in art,” Brown said. “I’ve done encaustic painting. I’ve done regular painting, oil painting, ceramics.”

    Reynolds became an arts magnet school to help students grow artistically in art and academic classes. Being at a school so heavily involved in the arts has allowed Thorton and Brown opportunities to break from the typical academic courses and explore an outlet for their artistic passions.

    “I think it’s really important while you’re doing the academic portion of school to have that break where you can let your creativity flow,” Thornton said. “At an arts magnet school, a lot of times, even academic classes include or incorporate art in the curriculum, which I really love.”

    Both Thorton and Brown shared their appreciation for the art teachers at our school and expressed how helpful they have been in furthering their art education.

    “Ms. Beach and Mr. Hurst have been my favorite art teachers, they’re both just very supportive, and they give very good feedback, especially on art critics, and if you need something, they always help bounce ideas,” Brown said.

    The feeling is mutual; Ceramics Teacher Emily Beach expressed her appreciation for having Brown and Thorton in her class.

     “It is wonderful to have such independent students that have really branched off in different directions, Caroline and Stanton’s work are both excellent gallery quality work, but it’s also different in how they do different styles and have taken different concentrations,” Beach said.

    After graduation, Thorton plans to intern at Sawtooth Center, and Brown plans to get a job in the arts. It’s safe to say both students have left their mark inside and outside of the classroom.