By Casey (Sutherly) Purnhagen ’00
Twenty-six years ago, I performed and had art on display at ArtBeat. Today, my children performed and had art on display at the same event.
There were student artists creating live, talented teachers demonstrating, and literally hundreds of performances in three different venues all day long. “Wow” doesn’t feel like enough, but it’s the only word I have that comes close to describing what an incredible day it was.
The scope of what these students are capable of is staggering, and what we see at ArtBeat is only the beginning! Schools are in the business of seed-planting, soil watering, and ensuring the environment is such that a plant can grow. It’s rare to see a glimpse of the fruit in these early years, but it’s possible here. (The assignment you see to the right was to choose a song, listen for the layers, and draw them. These are the layers of the Beach Boys, “Good Vibrations.” Drawing sound?! Incredible! )
Creating an environment where students can discover their gifts is not an accident; it’s purposeful design. This year, I’m particularly grateful for teachers like Andrew Hartman, John Hentz and Tim Hilderbrand, who understand that an art (or music) room is more than a place to learn technique; it’s a place to learn what is beautiful and honoring, and to lean into the opportunity to create more of that with the gifts we’ve been given. Of course, that’s not only happening in art and music rooms – it’s happening in science and math, literature and entrepreneurship, sports and service – it’s happening everywhere here – and we have ample evidence it works.
Designing the inside of Corvettes? CHCA alumni do that. Singing on Broadway? CHCA alumni do that. Creating clothing lines? CHCA alumni do that. Enabling people on stage by leading and serving behind the scenes? CHCA alumni do that. And each of the incredible students we were blessed to witness at ArtBeat this year will someday be CHCA alumni, out in the world, using the gifts they discovered here.
To be in a place full of opportunities to discover how God has purposefully created you to reflect his heart to the world through your unique gifts is a privilege and a blessing. What’s next? I don’t know for sure what gifts Tommy and Penny will discover, but I see the sparks. Who could they be? Who knows! But I am filled with hopeful anticipation because I know this place. I know that as they begin to discover their gifts the next questions will be “For whose glory?” and “For whose good?”, because that’s the best thing about gifts: they are meant to be shared.
Special thanks to John Hentz for help with the photos.
