Last year, Étude High School and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center embarked on a new collaboration that culminated in seven students creating and presenting unique works of art that tied in to the Arts Center’s theme. 

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center Fellowship program was so successful they’re doing it again.

The Arts Center’s theme, “Work in Progress,” has been distilled down for the fellowship students to “Making the Invisible Visible.” 

The students are currently planning and creating their projects, which will be presented May 30 at the Arts Center. The program gives participants access to the Arts Center’s galleries and curatorial staff.

Last year’s presentation of projects, on the theme “kin,” was a big event that showed teacher Molly King how much the community supports programs like this. 

“I really loved the fact that we had wonderful community representation,” King said. “We Invited former teachers and community members that were connected in some way to some of the projects that were presented. Our school was really impressed with how the community showed up for our students.”

The second annual JMKAC Fellowship projects are: 

Jaidyn Ingalls, sophomore

Jaidyn’s project is a painting depicting a personal perspective of identity crisis. “I originally started to paint out of childhood competition with my sister,” Jaidyn said. “Now I want to figure out why I do what I do. I have so many different ideas.” 

Wil Marcelle, junior 

Wil is making a multi-component painting showing the elements of dystopian literature: Technology, survival, government control, environmental disruption and loss of individualism. Wil got the idea in a dystopian literature class. 

Natalie Schaetzer, Daisy Wilson, Danielle Wilson, sophomores

The three cousins are collaborating on a musical performance based on the music of their grandfather, Scott Hildebrand of the Buffalo Joe Band. “It’s the history of our grandfather’s band and playing some of his songs, Danielle said..” To accomplish this challenging goal, Danielle is learning the harmonica and Daisy is learning the guitar — Natalie plays guitar and drums — and the students are working with their grandfather to learn more about the band. 

Kai Mavity Maddelena, freshman

Kai’s project is an exploration of magnets and magnetic fields using photography. “I want to be a mechanical engineer, and magnetism is one of those forces that’s probably one of the most essential things you need to learn about if you want to become an engineer,” Kai said. “Without magnets, society would be very different. I wanted to learn more about that.” 

Matilde Guevara, junior

Matilde, who is the only student returning to the fellowship program from last year, is planning a visual arts project based on her own experience as an immigrant. “I never cared to explore it till a class delved into immigration,” Matilde said. “My project is about how large events can affect children, and in the end that’s connected to immigration.” 

Victor Ramirez, senior

Merrick du Chateau, junior

Nicholas Groene, junior

Logan Ortiz, sophomore  

The four boys are forming a band, called Jimmy and the Gentle Bugz, that will perform original music about the importance of insects. “All the kids who did (the fellowship) last time said it was a cool experience,” Nicholas said. Plans include using masks and costumes, and the band members intend it to be a lighthearted, fun and informative.