James Clemens pays weeklong tribute to the arts

Bailey Sulcer, who painted this portrait, will be among approximately 100 art students exhibiting their work during fine arts week at James Clemens High School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – James Clemens High School students in drama, filmography, visual arts and vocal and instrumental music are showcasing their talents this week.

“James Clemens Theatre Department and the JETSpress kicked off our fine arts week with our annual ’10MIN'” (ten minute) production on May 1, drama teacher Clint Merritt said.

The “10MIN” production featured five plays that intermediate students directed, produced and wrote with technical support from beginning technical theatre students, Merritt said. The night also featured 11 films that JETSpress students had developed.

Amy Patel’s theatre students conducted a beginning drama showcase on May 4.

Stuart Tankesley will lead the choir concert on May 5. Keith Anderson will conduct the band concert on May 7.

About 100 art students will show their work this week. About 350 pieces of artwork will be available for viewing during the visual art show on May 7 before the band concert at 7 p.m., art teacher Liz Vaughn said. Members of the National Art Honor Society will present live painting demonstrations at the event.

Also this week, art students Bailey Sulcer, Julie Davidson, Mary Katherine Lutken and Olivia Gonzalez are submitting their advanced-placement (AP) portfolios. “AP portfolios are sent in three parts to the AP readers in Colorado this summer,” Vaughn said.

“The first two parts, concentration and breadth, consisting of 12 pieces each, are sent digitally. The third section of their portfolio, quality, is sent through the mail and consists of their five best pieces from the first two portfolios,” Vaughn said.

On May 8, JETSpress will present its second annual “The Johnnys” awards night at 6:30 p.m. The advanced technical theatre class will support the production, secondary instructional technology specialist Daniel Whitt said.

“The Johnnys are a high-school version of the Oscars for student filmmakers, complete with black ties, guest appearances and a red carpet.” The public is invited to the free event. Family and consumer science students will cater refreshments.

Finally, on May 11 the percussion ensembles will conclude the art festival with their own brand of rousing entertainment.