On Thursday, March 6, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program hosted their Visual Arts student exhibition. Organized by Donavan Oberheu and Carrie Schaefer, two IB visual art teachers from Waterloo West and East. Held at the Kamerick Art Building located in the University of Northern Iowa, 11 students from participating schools showcased their art in small, intimate spaces, giving a quick debrief of each of their pieces for on-lookers.
Nohle Cooley, a West High senior, showcased his collection “Blossoming and Blooming,” abstract and dreamlike pieces full of color and personality. Cooley started his art career at a young age. Drawing, sketching and using oil pastels intrigued him. Cooley’s art is expressive and it comes together through his mind and soul helping him develop beautiful pieces.
Cooley states that “Music is the strongest resource that motivates me into creating what I create. music moves me, it makes me feel in the moment.”
As a senior, Cooley feels as though the IB program is “The greatest opportunity I’ve ever been in.” Cooley says “Class has given me a lot of time to figure out and construct what kind of artist I am. I learned so much about myself, about other artists and their stories. Art and my abilities will always be with me as I move along my life and I can’t wait to see the next step.”
Alongside Cooley, Sarah Hasangic is another senior involved in the IB arts program at West. Hasangic and Cooley were meer steps away from each other during their exhibits. Hasangic’s “Layers of love” served as a foundation for her pieces and relationships by influencing the meaning of life.
Hasangic describes that her own emotion and insights guided her in her own journey by affirming love isn’t just an emotion, but a powerful force.
Hasangic’s art journey has been long in the making, she says “I’m motivated by the ability to tell stories and make an impact through art. Whether it’s through graphic design, painting, or mixed media, I love creating something that connects with my audience and makes them think or feel something. Seeing how art can evoke emotions, spark conversations, and even inspire change keeps me passionate about what I do.”
She followed up with “Joining IB Visual Arts gave me a way to still create traditional art and I figured if art was my actual class, I’d always have time to create. I’m proud to say I’ve now completed four internships and now intern for Rydell Chevrolet, selling my traditional art occasionally on my spare time.”
The International Baccalaureate program has influenced these students and pushed them beyond their comfort zones, “Being part of the IB Art program has pushed me to think more critically about my work and explore deeper meanings behind what I create. It’s helped me understand different artistic perspectives, improve my technique, and build a strong portfolio that I can use for my future career,” Hasangic states.
Cooley and Hasangic both plan to attend the University of Iowa to pursue some form of art and design. “Thank you parents, family, friends, teachers, staff and community members for being here to participate in this event, and for celebrating in the creative endeavors and academic success of these students,” says the IB coordinators.
