With 59 Scholastic Art Awards and the third-highest total in Colorado, Grandview’s art program continues to stand out at the state level. The success comes from Grandview’s art classes, teachers, and creative environment, which helps students win year after year.  

From photography to mixed media, Grandview students once again made their mark at the Scholastic Art Fair. Students say that the continued success isn’t just from talent, but the support and the environment that pushed them to grow.

“I think Grandview’s Art Program brings out creativity from us and allows us to express ourselves in our own ways,” Raya Caldwell (11) said. “I also think that the pride we take in our art is a big help because it gives the confidence for us to strive.”

For many students, confidence starts in the classroom. Caldwell credits the photography teacher, Mr. Dykstra, with helping her rediscover her passion for photography.

“Mr. Dykstra was the one to give me this opportunity to take this photo and to be able to meet this model,” Caldwell said. “He has given me unconditional support since the moment I walked into his classroom. He’s just been phenomenal in getting me back to my groove in photography and finding my passion again.”

Teachers play a key role in helping students develop their skills. Hayden Lee (11) believes that the strength of the program starts with the staff. 

“I think the fact that the teachers are really good and know how to teach makes it stand out,” Lee said.

Lee said that the consistent feedback in class helps students improve quickly. 

“When I was taking photography, I got feedback in almost every class from Mr. Dykstra because he walks around and really pays attention to what students are working on,” Lee said. “That helps me improve consistently.”

Vincent Parsons emphasized how important feedback is in class, helping students improve quickly. 

“I love getting feedback so whenever I’m in the middle of a shoot or editing, I always ask for feedback from Dykstra no matter what because it really does help me,” Parsons said. “It makes me have more tools and knowledge for the next shoot or next photo.”

Beyond the classroom, students say the environment at Grandview encourages them to take creative risks. Caldwell said that the opportunities available helped her to push herself outside of her comfort zone.

“I believe the opportunities at Grandview help push me to take the risks because I’m able to travel out and take photos of professional models and the botanical gardens that I would have never done by myself,” Caldwell said.

Lee finds inspiration simply by walking around the building.

“The art around the building inspires me and gives me ideas,” Lee said.

Another reason for the program’s success is the encouragement students receive to develop their own artistic skills.

“I absolutely feel encouraged to do my own thing,” Parsons said. “He always supported me and guided me through my ideas and processes for creating my pieces.”

“Yeah, I feel pretty encouraged. He doesn’t force us to stick to one thing,” Lee said.

For Caldwell, art classes have improved her overall high school experience.

“I am not the most artistic person. I’ve always been more sporty,” Caldwell said. “But when I took Photography and Journalism this year it really opened my mind to how amazing the art at Grandview is and how prideful we are because of our prestige.”

Through the program, Caldwell has become the girls’ flag football photographer and writer for the Grandview Chronicle.

“Taking those classes this year has opened the opportunity for me,” Caldwell said. “I think my overall experience has been improved by the art program.”

Students believe that the reason for the large number of awards this year is because of increased participation and dedication.

“I think this year we have absolutely stepped up in our attendance in the art show,” Caldwell said. “Originally I was going to not submit anything, but Dykstra definitely pushed me and helped me gain confidence.”

Lee hopes that younger students will continue the tradition of success by taking risks and believing in their work.

“I would tell them not to be scared to do their own thing,” Lee said. “I know a lot of people who made really good pieces but didn’t submit them to the art fair because they were scared of being judged.”