Among the many prominent groups and teams at Whitney Young, one often overlooked department is the Whitney Young Visual Arts Department. However, the Visual Arts Department offers a greater number of art classes than most other schools, offering about 13 different art classes for students to take. While Whitney Young is known for its academic rigor, those who take advantage of the wide variety of offerings in the arts can develop multimedia skills.

One student and friend of mine, Caitlin Smith ‘19, has been involved in the arts department since seventh grade. From ceramics to AP 3-D Design Portfolio, she has taken nearly every art class at Whitney Young. With the extended time former academic center have to explore different classes at Whitney Young, Smith was able to try out art courses involving different mediums. It was not until her freshman year, however, when she took her first AP level art class, that she decided to pursue art in her future studies. She says, “when I first decided I wanted to pursue art, I was all about photography and film, so I took a film class the next year. In the end, I am glad that I took that class because it made me realize that I did not like film as much as I thought I did, and now I much prefer 3-D art.”

Now a senior, Smith has committed to Syracuse University School of Design. She says, “Now, I am interested in 3-D art and product design.” In terms of her experience in the arts department at WY, she says, “I feel like every art class that I have taken has helped me navigate what I want to do as my career.”

Throughout the 6 years that I have personally known Caitlin, she has always been very focused in both her art and academic courses. Despite the stereotypes of pursuing art and the mainstream idea of the “broke artist,” she still pursues art wholeheartedly and unafraid. She says that she feels that, “society is becoming more accepting of the creative vision,” but while “living off of commission is still very hard, but there are more job opportunities opening in the business context that can provide more stable jobs.” One thing I do know, is that no matter which way Caitlin chooses to pursue art or a career in the future, her work ethic and drive will lead her to success.

Artwork by Caitlin Smith 2017-2018