The Hoggard Art Program: Featuring Mrs. Gehen

      In her third year at John T. Hoggard High School, art teacher Shannon Gehen is already making a strong impact on student artists. Insistent that her students’ work be displayed and appreciated, she is an inspiring teacher who encourages all students to express their creativity. When asked what she hopes students gain from her class, Gehen said, “I like students to feel positive about themselves, especially students who are apprehensive and don't think of themselves as artists. I want them to have more confidence in trying new things.”

     The Cameron Art Museum recently hosted the Rising Stars Exhibition, where Ms. Gehen displayed seven student pieces. The month-long exhibit showcased artwork from schools across New Hanover County. Hoggard students have also earned recognition in other competitions, including first place in the Azalea Youth Art Contest and an honorable mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest. Additionally, on March 30th, senior IB art students will display two years of portfolio work at the annual IB Arts Showcase at Hoggard.

      Art classes taught at John T Hoggard include Beginning Arts 1- 4, AP Art, Ceramics, and IB Art, which do not require prerequisite courses. Popular projects in these classes include cardboard sculpture making, recreating album covers, and clay/pottery, which often leads student-artists to take ceramics. Mrs. Gehen’s personal favorite artists are Louise Nevelson, who creates large-scale sculptures using found objects, and Roberto Lugo, who blends traditional technique and pop culture in his huge ceramic pieces.

    Mrs. Gehen is a passionate artist and teacher, evident in her commitment to pushing students to find confidence in her classroom. Further displaying her creativity, when asked where she would teach, given the chance to go anywhere in the world, she answered, “I would love to teach in Thailand. The country is really pretty and has cool old history and ancient art. I would also visit Angkor in Northern Cambodia, home to ancient religious temples.” Through her teaching, Gehen continues to inspire the next generation of artists at Hoggard.