SHINGLEHOUSE -ðIf 10 percent of graduating high school students
went on to study art in college, one might be inclined to ask
why.

But if you live in the Oswayo Valley School District and know
the art teacher, Jesse Hyde, you would understand exactly the
reason for this.

Hyde has been teaching art at Oswayo Valley since 1979 and
admits that at first, it was a sluggish start with few supplies.
That, however, has blossomed into a program that offers students
the chance to experience two and three-dimensional art in several
different forms including photography and jewelry-making.

Upon entering his classroom, students direct visitors to the
area he is working. Around the corner is a man in a smock standing
with a student describing to her the next step in her painting. As
she listens, other students wait their turn for his attention.

When the bell rings, and before they head home, students stop in
to ask advice about their work and make sure they are going in the
right direction for the assigned project.

“We spend a lot of money on the art program,” said Erik Kincade,
principal of the school. “In four years I’ve been here, nobody asks
‘why so much?’ They see the benefits. It’s money well spent.”

That is backed up by the fact that of 52 graduating students,
six went on to work toward college degrees in art.

Hyde explains that when he arrived, the art department and
classes had minimal supplies such as crayons and tempera paint.

“There wasn’t much in supplies and I was teaching 27 different
groups per week,” he said. “I started bringing in all the art
materials I needed and built up the number of students who wanted
to take art.”

“I have five rooms to work in when the national trend is to cut
back,” he added. “I have to hand it to the school board – and I’ll
never give up.”

Hyde admits that he can be very demanding when he wants to get
something done and can also be very demanding of the students who
take his class.

“I don’t realize sometimes how much I demand on them,” he said.
“I forget this is high school level.”

In the three-dimensional class, he offers students projects in
additive sculpture that involves assembly and subtractive sculpture
that involves using a chisel and file.

While making jewelry, students decide on their own designs, glue
them together, and use a saw with blades about as fine as a hair
and file the finished product. Students also learn to solder pieces
together and use lost wax casting which includes several detailed
steps and involves the use of sophisticated machinery, the correct
temperature and the know-how.

In pottery, students learn to hand-build pieces and also to
throw on the pottery wheel. There are six stations students can
work.

In the drawing classes, students learn perspective and can go
out in the hallways to apply what they’ve learned. They learn
metamorphosis drawing where they “morph” something into
another.

Figure drawing from live models is also offered.

Painting classes offers students fundamental and tonal
instruction in acrylic, watercolor and oil. There is even an
opportunity for students to learn charcoal, scratchboard, and
inking.

Then there’s the design graphic and photography class where
students learn layout and design of advertisements, creating logos
and compact disc design. Photography is learned at an early stage
to be used for later projects. Students learn to use manual cameras
and darkroom technique including developing their own film.

There is also printmaking, silk screen and etching.

In addition to all of the previously mentioned courses, students
are able to use a digital lab to further their design education
with the use of programs to help them manipulate their work.

Hyde said he is also looking forward to developing an
independent study class to offer seniors.

“They can concentrate in whatever style they need to work. They
will be able to work on their portfolios,” he said. “The students a
lot of times motivate others – they are the biggest
motivators.”

Kincade said that while Hyde asks for the most, it’s for a good
cause.

“He has the most requests for supplies and equipment, but the
bottom line is its always for the kids. We don’t mind. It’s a
little messy in here,” he added looking around the art room. “But
it’s a good messy. It’s probably the more popular of our electives
and for a good reason. He’s a professional and the kids have seen
the progress of other students and they are encouraged to get
involved.”

When Kincade talks of Hyde being a professional, he is referring
to the work he does outside of teaching for the district.

Hyde has three times been the official artist for the U.S. Open.
He has been asked to do it again for the 2007 event. This entails
an oil painting by Hyde of a hole on the golf course.

“I could make my living painting but I love teaching,” said
Hyde.

Hyde attributes the improvement of the art program at the school
to Bob Wicker, who is now the superintendent of schools for the
district. Hyde explained Wicker had been the principal of the
school until he decided that he wanted to make a change and make
the school system and curriculum better.

“The school board cares about the kids and we have such a great
staff,” added Hyde. “It is a really friendly place the kids are
really polite and have good manners. It’s a well-oiled machine.

“And it’s surprising how much was donated by the community. They
give so much to these kids,” he said.