Art is all around us. Whether through visual artwork, music, or film, art gives us a way to express ourselves, tell our stories, and connect with others on a deeper level. For many students, art is more than just an activity, as it forms an integral part of who they are. Here at Hunterdon Central, art can be found everywhere, from the quiet corners of the art rooms to the vibrant and animated energy of the theater stage. Whether students are drawing, dancing, filming, or performing, art captures thoughts, identities, and emotions in a way that nothing else can.
For many students, making art is not just about the finished product, but rather, a way to explore the world around them and reflect who they are. Their art is inspired by a wide variety of experiences and emotions, ranging from nature and music to personal experiences and memories. These artists turn moments into something tangible, using their creativity and talent to express what words often cannot. Sophomore Chloé Brunner works mainly with colored pencils and digital illustration. She was inspired by her dad, a designer who studied at an art school in New York City. “I would go into work with him,” she said, explaining how that experience helped spark her passion for design. Often finding inspiration from nature and pop culture, her work is joyful and full of life. For Caleigh Cullaton, a junior at Hunterdon Central, nature also plays an important role in her art process. “I love all things nature,” she said, “there’s no way to recreate it.”
Cullaton is very involved in musical theater, art, dance, and film. Growing up in a music-oriented household, she developed a strong appreciation for both music and narration. “I really enjoy storytelling,” she says. This passion has led her future plans to involve pursuing cinematography. For junior Gabby Tahaney, art is a personal outlet that allows her to express herself through dance, which often inspires her physical work. “Most of the time when I get a choice in what kind of art I make, I like to incorporate some kind of dancer,” she said. In addition to dance, her art is influenced by people and experiences from her everyday life. “Every day, I have conversations with my friends that inspire me,” she notes. While she does not plan to pursue art professionally, she wants to continue keeping it in her life. “I want to make sure that I continue to take ballet classes and make sure I’m still dancing,” she says.
For each of these students, art is more than just a hobby; it encompasses a vital part of their identity. For Brunner, the energy and color in her pieces encapsulate her creative and joyful spirit. Culleton’s work captures her deep connection to others. “I’m a mosaic of all the people I’ve ever met,” she says, explaining how her love for collaboration and storytelling is represented in everything she makes. Tahaney sees her art as something that has helped her grow over time. “Art has taught me so much as a person and has taught me how to express my creativity,” she said. Through their work, these artists are not just creating something tangible, they are putting a part of their identity on the canvas.
At Central, art takes many different forms, and each student finds their own unique way to display it. For some, art is a future career goal, while for others it is a lifelong passion they hope to carry with them. No matter the medium being used, art shapes not only how students see the world around them, but also how they see themselves.
