Lowell — Lowell High School students commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. and the Declaration of Independence by expressing through art what freedom means to them.
The LHS art department recently hosted an art show in the school’s media center, including pieces created by students in teacher Sarah Ellis’ painting class. The show was sponsored by the high school’s Diversity Council.
The theme of the show was freedom, Ellis said.
“Our nation was built on the ideals of freedom, so our theme asked participants to reflect on what freedom means to them: what it is, what it is not and how we can have more of it,” she said during an artists’ reception.
Here is a selection of student pieces and their artist statements.
Liliyana Terpstra, sophomore
Liliyana’s artist statement: “In this piece I aimed to capture the beauty of freedom through a young crane and a sprouting lotus flower meeting for the first time. Both symbolize nature’s boundless spirit, untethered and pure, unlike that of humankind.”
Lydia Franciscotty, sophomore
Lydia’s artist statement: “This painting encompasses our society today. We are all getting lost behind our screens, (and) that it’s making our colors melt. The differences that make us who we are will become lost. Yet with hope, some may find their way out, whether we notice or not. Because this is not freedom.”
Evie Shapiro, sophomore
Evie’s artist statement: “In 2005, one sheep decided to jump off a cliff (and) 1,500 followed. Due to an instinctual herd mentality designed for safety, sheep blindly follow a leader to avoid isolation. Sounds a lot like humans. We see the aspects of the world everywhere, the good and the fallen, with social media and the internet amplifying the call to trends and following. Who you follow is important. In the Bible, humanity is constantly referred to as sheep in need of guidance, a shepherd to keep us safe and to follow. Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, paid the price in full! He pulled me out of the darkness and pit of despair into hope and freedom.”
Adrianne Marshall, junior
Adrianne’s statement: “What I made my painting of is freedom of speech. Girls have had many strikes to make their voices heard and get equal rights and there are still women out there today whose voices still need to be heard — that was the first thing I thought of when I thought of freedom.”
Evan Millhisler, sophomore
Evan’s artist statement: “To me, freedom is about what the reason soldiers in combat fought for you about. I also believe it’s the ability to do whatever you want unless it’s affecting something or someone in a negative way.”
Colten Kahn, junior
Colten’s artist statement: “Freedom is fought for, and many struggle to obtain freedom up to this day. Freedom isn’t having free range, but to express yourself and state your own opinions any way you feel fit. My painting expresses the fight for freedom, and how falling into tranquility looks to me.”
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