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Retirement of revered teacher casts doubt on art department |
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Written by Katie Quick
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Tuesday, 26 January 2010 |
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As Judi Brandel prepares to retire, many have begun to question what will happen to the photography program in the following year.
With so many plans about the high school reconstruction, it is not unreasonable to wonder which arts will continue to be offered in the schools. If anything, Brandel is “concerned about the entire art program in general.” Having photography is important, however, as it provides one of the few fine art classes offered at Grant.
Brandel cares deeply about her work as an art teacher. “It’s something I really love, it’s my entire life,” she says. “Art is fundamental to a student’s life. Having visual art is really important.” She hopes to significantly alter her students’ lives by bringing in the artistic perspective.
In the photography class, students learn the art of taking and developing pictures. Brandel described the class as not only taking pictures, but also “giving people the skills to do photography… and teaching the importance of [photography] through the history and the relevance of the history.”
Keeping the darkroom running with all of its necessary supplies is expensive, not to mention the fact that darkrooms are dying one by one as the new phenomenon of digital cameras has become the standard. Grant used to have two separate darkrooms, several years ago. But one was condemned and shut down, leaving a single darkroom. The program has already been cut, and it may be cut even further.
When asked what she think will happen to the photography class next year, Brandel replied, “I truly don’t know. Our class now depends on the kindness of parent donations.”
If the class is continued next year, it's size is expected to shrink. However, “if it was still offered, students would still take [the class].”
If Amy Kopperud is able to replace Brandel, she may be able to keep the program running with the same amount of passion and vigor.
Will photography continue to run as a program at Grant? It remains in the hands of the school officials and the students. As the famed Brandel will leave this year, the photography may take its exit as well.
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