Teaching is an art for one Mr. Sallee

From period to period and day to day, numerous Sutter Union High School students face an intriguing yet complicated task. This assignment is not simply overcome and forever completed; it is a recurrent problem, an obsessive challenge. But what class could bring about such difficulty? Art.

Though seemingly an easy concept, students struggle daily to capture the fluid essence within the mind. They must seize their own interpretation and force it onto a storm of unending white while sustaining spontaneity, vivacity and grace.

Art itself has no demarcation. It does not acquiesce to one particular description or classification, but is in itself limitless. Just as each student displays different attributes and abilities, each student's artwork portrays their individuality.

However, every art student, whether drawing abstract, fantasy, landscape or portraiture, similarly fights to maintain detail, composition and, most importantly, rules of perspective. Thankfully, Sutter students are drawing under the helpful guidance of SUHS art teacher, Drew Sallee.

Mr. Sallee is continually prepared to direct any student through the complexities of perspective, lighting or any other difficulty. Lacy McCurry, a junior at SUHS, said, "Perspective can be very confusing. You constantly have to remember each rule, but Mr. Sallee is ready to help anyone that just asks."

Mr. Sallee truly is a blessing to each of his students, and the art program has significantly benefited from his passion in his work. "He is funny and an amazing teacher. He has a good style, and he understands where the students are coming from," said SUHS senior Courtney Chatha.

Perhaps the reason behind each student's admiration of Mr. Sallee lies in his indisputable appreciation of art and his comprehension of the obstacles each student faces — and students do, in fact, face many obstacles. They must observe each undulating contour, every angle and every balance in order to complement any movement with rhythm.

Students must decide how much emotional input will create the precise impact they want, how much distinctive detail to add and how much room for implication and imagination through lack of detail.

"Sometimes art is frustrating. You have a certain image in your head but can't quite get it onto paper," said senior Briauna Rupert. Art turns into a mad passion, a challenge to recreate the ethereal image within one's mind.

As stated by realist painter Andrew Wyeth, "My struggle is to preserve that abstract flash, like something you caught out of the corner of your eye, but in the picture you can look at it directly. It's a very elusive thing."

SUHS students are struggling with this same dilemma. They are, however, continually succeeding in their endeavors, and the results are truly breathtaking.

Kelsey Bradley is a senior at Sutter Union High School. Her column appears about every sixth week in Education.