ASHLAND — Ashland High School will be hosting its 2nd Fine Arts Signing Day on May 18 to honor seniors who have been selected to study the arts post-graduation.
The 3 p.m. ceremony will highlight 16 graduating seniors and feature them signing a non-legally binding document committing themselves to a pursuit of further education in their chosen art.
Over the past few years, Ashland High School has sought to unify its various art departments including visual art, instrumental and vocal music, media arts, dance and theatre. The Fine Arts Signing Day is to recognize students who focus on enhancing their skills in these departments.
“We thought that if we make such a big deal about athletics, and rightfully so, we should also (honor) it when someone does something monumental like picks a major such as Art Education,” said Ashland High School Art Teacher Cameron Dedrick. “So often people are a little shaky when they go into the arts, but you can definitely make a career out of it.
“So let’s make a big deal and celebrate.”
Ashland High School first hosted the event two years ago but had to take a year off due to COVID-19. In the fall semester, Ashland graduating seniors will be attending colleges such as the University of Akron, The Ohio State University, the University of New Mexico, Ashland University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, DePaul University, Kent State University, Bowling Green State University, as well as the Columbus College of Art and Design.
There is also a student entering into an apprenticeship with Mike Metcalf, owner of Mike’s Music Corner in downtown Ashland.
Ashland High School Director of Bands and Music Department Chair Marty Kral said being accepted into art programs at institutions such as these is no easy task.
“To study art or music, there is a whole portfolio process or audition process you have to pass,” Kral said. “You can’t just check the box and suddenly you are studying (the arts).
“Much like with sports, we believe there is something to that. The good news is that Ashland is a place that does celebrate the arts. Everyone of these schools have been contacted. Some are coming, some are sending a care package, some are sending a short video. We just want to celebrate with them. The community, and parents, have shown so much support.”
Ashland City Schools Superintendent Dr. Doug Marrah, Executive Director at the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education Jarrod Hartzler, Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council Donna Collins, and Fine Arts Consultant for the Tri-County Educational Service Center Dr. Michelle Muro are all expected to speak at the ceremony.
The city of Ashland was recently named as one of the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.
“Being an artist isn’t necessarily about sitting with a canvas, and being a musician isn’t necessarily about sitting with an instrument; there are so many avenues,” Kral said. “There are real careers out there.”
Several students have advanced their skill set not only in the classroom, but independently through practice. According to Dedrick, some students have used their chosen form of art during this past year as a distraction from the stress induced by the pandemic.
“When it is the kids’ turn to sign, we will have a nice display with their image, where they are going, and who their parents are,” Dedrick said. “It is not a long, drawn-out event, but it gives the students that special feeling of ‘hey, I did something significant.’ ”
Ashland High School’s Fine Arts Signing Day will take place in Archer auditorium on Tuesday May 18 at 3 p.m.
