Art club members at the Empty Bowls event

By Ayla Kickhofel

Co-Managing and In-Depth Editor

Art Club and National Art Honors Society, extensions of the art classes here at Hammond, is a place for people to express themselves through their art. With various activities that challenge the members with their pieces in a creative way, Art Club and National Art Honor Society is about bringing people together through the medium of art.

Prior to the COVID pandemic the Art Club was very active, but after we returned to in-person schooling it was difficult for people to get back into clubs due to students needing to adjust back to in-person school after being restrained for so long. Now that we’ve returned to in-person school and a more involved environment, the art club has dozens of students showing interest and  participating in their activities and events! 

These clubs go beyond activities for the members. They try to host multiple events throughout the year that create community amongst the students and provide a fun space to hang out with friends and family, better building community within Hammond students and staff. Recently, they held an Empty Bowls event, which allowed people to bring in and share their favorite cuisines with their peers. “Not everyone has people to share thanksgiving or any fall gatherings with people, but we helped everyone get together and experience a fun set up with friends and family,” says junior Olivia Raley, NAHS Vice President, about the event. Soon they will be hosting their annual Coffee House, which was a major success last school year. Many people sang, read poetry, played instruments, and more, and many people came with their friends and enjoyed the hot chocolate, treats, and the warm atmosphere that Art Club and NAHS provide. 

Art club is still open for people to join, according to Olivia. There is a $5 entry fee, but you get to participate in all of the Art Club activities that are hosted throughout the year. If you are looking to join the National Art Honor Society, instead that would be $10 and you must go to every meeting from the beginning of the school year to the end. “People should join Art Club because we have many exciting events and activities that we have coming up that we would love everyone to enjoy. We are very welcoming and are always happy to help people have a place that they can relish in something that will bring them joy,” says Olivia. So, if you are looking for a safe community to express yourself in and make friends, Art Club/NAHS is the perfect club for you to join!