Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Illiana works hard to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and pursue passions in visual arts. Art Teacher Jim Kamphuis provides experience in creating art of every media from drawing to photography to sculpting and painting. Students create beautiful art pieces that showcase the creativity gifts that the Lord blesses us with. By emphasizing Arts in addition to Athletics, we recognize the multifaceted giftings the Lord has given us. We provide artistic materials and outlets for students, too.

Fine Arts Festival

After working hard inside and outside of class, students have the chance to display their artwork for critique in the Fine Arts Festival which takes place each spring. In this, students can enter written artwork, performance art, and visual arts. A group of students, sponsored by Jeff DeVries and Jim Kamphuis, host the Fine Arts competition. Categories usually include dance, drama, instrumental, literary, photography, piano, video, visual art and vocal. The visual entries are put on display in the Media Center for several weeks and again at P.I.E.’s “Spring Supper” event. The performance pieces are presented to judges during the competition and the winning entries are again performed at the “Spring Supper”

Exploring Each Student’s Unique Gifts

Illiana is proud of the art and drama performance work of its students and staff. We teach that these gifts are from the Lord and try to cultivate a sense of respect for them. We hope each student who comes through Illiana has the ability and opportunity to pursue their passions. By working hard and with guidance from gifted, passionate teachers, students can really hone their skills to prepare for future education or occupations. 

“Art is one of man’s responses to God, our Creator. He has made us in His image and has given us the ability to be creative. While we can never do what He has done, create something from nothing, we can use our creative abilities to express in a unique way our response to Him and His world. Art is a religious, cultural, social, and, sometimes, even beautiful expression of life in a particular place and time.”

Art classes offer the student the opportunity to observe his/her surroundings in a new light; to apply problem-solving skills to the assignments; to discover new skills; to communicate with others in a visual mode. Art becomes a visual language by which one can give expression to experience, beliefs, purposes, and emotions. While many students explore existing talents, or discover new ones, others may simply find a deeper appreciation for, and understanding of, art. In either case, it is a valuable part of education to have some experience in the arts. 

The art curriculum is formulated to give all students an opportunity to excel. The in-class projects are as varied as possible with the objective being that something will appeal to everyone. Written homework assignments and sketchbook assignments are given to aid comprehension of the concepts and skills discussed in class.