DECEMBER EDITION
The Avatar is a monthly publication filled with student works and projects all centered around art & literary works, set on showcasing the creative talents of our school. From painting, to writing, to performances, the Avatar is here to display the young artists of our generation in order to promote their growth.
Articles by Avatar Staff
DECEMBER'S SPOTLIGHT COLOR:
BLUE
By Vanessa Latimer and Mia Molina
Blue pigment originated around 2,200 B.C. in Ancient Egypt by heating sand, ground limestone, and minerals that contain copper. The Ancient Egyptians valued Lapis lazuli, so blue became a common feature in their clothes and language. Although blue was used for centuries by royalty, it became more common around 431 AD when it was used by the Catholic Church to depict the Virgin Mary in a blue robe, thus giving the color a positive connotation.
A well-known painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, right, was painted by Johannes Vermeer using ultramarine. Ultramarine is known to be history's most expensive pigment. Vermeer used a myriad of the pigment in this painting which led his family into bankruptcy.
The color blue is often seen as representing sadness, however, it symbolizes many more positive things. For example, the color blue can symbolize confidence and authority, and it also represents creativity. Blue can also have great effects on the mind - light blue improves concentration and dark blue improves thought processes. The color blue is all around us, so take time to enjoy it the next time you see it.
The Nutcracker All Jazzed Up
Shawnee Students perform at the Civic Center
By Bella Thompson
Lyn's Academy of Dance took to the stage at Lima Civic Center on December 17, 2023. Lyn performs The Nutcracker every two years to show off her dancers. This past performance included three Shawnee High School Students. Emma Hahn performed as the Rat Queen, Lydia Frost and Bella Thompson performed as Snowflakes and Sugar Plums. This version of The Nutcracker featured jazz and upbeat music. The dancers started practicing for this event in September. Sophomore Bella Thompson said "It was a lot of fun and a good way to bring the community together for the holiday season."
SENIOR FINE/PERFORMING ART SPOTLIGHT
December’s Feature: Emma Hahn
What art classes have you taken and how many years have you been in art? I have taken 3 jewelry classes and 1 ceramics class in the past 3 years of high school.
What do you like most about being in art classes at the high school? I like being able to express myself in any form I wish. The Shawnee art teachers really let my mind wander and we are able to make anything I wish to come together.
What are your future plans for art beyond high school? My future plans, at this moment, are to major in early childhood education and minor in art education. I have always dreamed of being an art teacher and I hope to make that dream come true.
What activities are you involved in beyond art at the high school? Beyond art in high school I was a football cheerleader, I am a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I participate in Spanish Club.
What has been your favorite art project so far? My favorite art project is the one I have named ¨Falling Through the Absence¨. I have been working very hard on it this year, and believe that it is a unique and meaningful work of art. The artwork is pictured to the right.
What advice do you have for underclassmen considering taking an art class? I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to participate in a Shawnee art class. The opportunities are endless and I am so thankful to have such encouraging and influential teachers that support my creativity.
Enjoy listening to Bing Crosby's classic White Christmas, first released on January 1, 1947
NAILED IT!
THE ART OF CHRISTMAS THEMED NAILS
By Brynn Woods
Christmas nail art has skyrocketed in popularity, as evidenced by a whopping 250 percent increase in searches for this festive manicure trend. It seems that people are eager to embrace the holiday spirit through their nail designs. Among the most sought-after colors for Christmas nail art are deep reds, burgundies, navy blues, blacks, and dark purples. These rich hues perfectly capture the cozy and elegant essence of the season. If you're looking for a place to get your nails done, consider checking out Ivy Nail Salon, My Thai Beauty, Aqua Nails, Posh, or Luxury Nails. These salons are known for their expertise in creating stunning nail art that will make your fingertips look like miniature works of art. And while we're on the topic of nail art, let's give a special shoutout to Indeliza Reinicke, a talented junior from Shawnee High School, who attends Apollo Career Center for Cosmetology. An example of her work is shown to the right. Her dedication and passion for the craft are truly inspiring, making her a rising star in the world of cosmetology.
Visit her Etsy store by clicking on the link below
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE AVATAR STAFF!
DECEMBER AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
By Carrie Briggs
As you probably know, Charles Dickens is the author of A Christmas Carol. His writing is one of the most famous Christmas stories out there. The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge gaining his Christmas spirit is classic.
So, what is it about? This story was divided into five chapters, or staves as Dickens called them. It starts with Ebeneser Scrooge, a grumpy old man. He runs an accounting business and Bob Crachet works for him. He overworks and underpays Crachet. On Christmas Eve, just as he’s going to bed, he sees the ghost of his old business partner! He’s shackled in chains because of all of the bad things he’d done, and he says that Scrooge’s will be even longer. After that, three other ghosts come and show him what his past, present, and future Christmases are. He has a change of heart and becomes the most festive and kind man.
This story is one everyone’s heart at least once. You might have heard it from the seemingly endless amount of adaptations (my favorite is the muppet one), from all the TV shows that have done something like it, or maybe even put on at a local theater. It’s a heartwarming story to get you in a festive mood.
But that’s not all Dickens has written. Some call him the greatest writer from England other than Shakespeare, and I don’t blame them. His characters are well-developed and memorable and his plots are the same. Some books other than A Christmas Carol that you’d know by him are The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and many more. His works were all inspired by his own life and usually contained social commentary. As his biographer, Simon Callow, shares, “From the moment he started to write, he spoke for the people, and the people loved him for it.” Many others agree with this testament.
He died June 9th, 1870, and was born February 7th, 1812. His first work was The Pickwick Papers, and his last was The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Both are amazing and display his talent and love for writing. Art can come in many forms, and Dickens shows how you can paint something just as beautifully with works as with paints. He was truly a master.
Unwrapping Harry Potter: Does it qualify as a Christmas movie?
By Grace Hartman
While “Harry Potter” is not traditionally classified as a Christmas movie, it possesses elements that make it a festive and heartwarming choice for the holiday season. The eight-movie franchise features several key scenes set during Christmas time, such as the magical Yule Ball in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” or the Christmas celebration in the Gryffindor common room in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone”. The snowy landscapes, cozy fires, and the nostalgic feelings often sought after during the holiday season are dispersed throughout the series. The third installment in the film series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, is often considered less of a Christmas movie compared to its predecessors, “Sorcerers Stone” and “Chamber of Secrets”. Unlike the first two films, “Prisoner of Azkaban” does not have a significant portion of its plot set during the Christmas season, the narrative focuses more on the darker and more mysterious aspects of the wizarding world, particularly the escape of the notorious prisoner, Sirius Black. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- pt 2,” is not typically considered a Christmas movie, the movie serves as a conclusion to the epic series and primarily focuses on the battle between Harry Potter and his allies against Lord Voldemort. Even though a few of the Harry Potter movies may not have a strong Christmas theme, they remain a worthwhile viewing choice over Winter break. The entire series offers a magical escape into the wizarding world filled with compelling characters intricate plots, and stunning visuals-oh and don't forget your chocolate frog, you might want to grab a Butterbeer to wash it all down.
CHRISTMAS ON MAIN
By Seven Lane
On December 10th, members of Art Club volunteered at the Christmas on Main Street festivities in Cridersville (pictured left to right Addi Gould, Kenidee Morgan, Gisela Becerra Munoz, and Seven Lane). The art club members handed out the craft-to-go Christmas trees to children as well as share hand drawn coloring pages with the young ones at the Cridersville Fire Station. There was an excellent turn out with art club members giving out over 70 craft bags of holiday cheer. Here's to all who were able to come and make a kid's holiday season a little bit brighter.
DECEMBER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
By Kenidee Morgan
Peter Bruegel the Elder was a Dutch painter and printworker from the Northern Renaissance. Peter was one of the Northern Renaissance artists that we learned about in AP Art History. He was known for his landscapes and portraying scenes of regular activities people would partake in throughout a variety of seasons. In one of his famous paintings, The Hunters in the Snow, he depicted a winter day, having people in the background ice skating and having fun while the the three males and dogs in the forefront are returning from an unsuccessful hunt. The hunters are shown with their heads angled downwards and the dogs with their tails lowered to symbolize the hardships of the winter season. One of the men carry a small squirrel to show the scarcity of winter. The overall painting is shown to be a calm and cold day by Peter Bruegel using muted color choices, perfect for the winter time. This contrasts with the warm colors of the houses. It shows both the realities of the harsh winters juxtaposed against the fun and excitement of the season. Bruegel likes to have details hidden in backgrounds so it is rewarding to really take a close look at his paintings.
Band’s Holiday Harmonies
By Noah Sims
On December 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM the Shawnee Band’s Holiday Harmonies concert will begin. The Concert and Symphonic bands will perform as well as the 6th, 7th, 8th grade bands. It is a wonderful opportunity to see our band perform and I, as a member of the Symphonic Band, am really excited and proud to perform. It is always fun to see and I think it would be wonderful if more students showed up and supported the bands.
CHOIR'S WINTER CONCERT
By Haley Dunifon
On Wednesday, December 13, Shawnee choir had their winter concert. Treble choir sung Christmas Hallelu, A Friend in Winter, and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. A Cappella sung Mary Had a Baby, Glory Hallelu, and Carol of the Bells. The Shawnee Squabblers (Barbershop) sung O Come All Ye Faithful. Finishing up the concert with a combined song, Where Shepherds Lately Knelt.
Famous Artists & Authors Born in December
By Chloe Angel
Do you share a birthday with a famous artist? Check out the list below and find out.
Edward Stuart Davis was a visual artist, he was famous for his bold and colorful paintings. Davis was born on December 7th, 1892.
Diego Maríá de la Concepcióń Juan Nepomuceno Estáńislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodriguez was a visual artist, he was famous for large frescoes. Diego Rivera was born on December 8th, 1886.
Sammy Davis Jr.: December 8, 1925
Sammy George Davis Jr. was a performance artist, his stye of performance was tap dancing and singing. Sammy Davis Jr. was born on December 8th, 1925.
Edvard Munch was a visual artist, famous for ¨The Scream¨. Munch was born on December 12th, 1863.
Helen Frankenthaler: December 12, 1928 (The Bay)
Wassily Kandinsky: December 16, 1866 (Improvisation)
Paul Klee: December 18, 1879
Jean-Michel Basquiat: December 22, 1960 (Horn Players)
Henri Matisse: December 31, 1869 (Goldfish)
The artists featured in bold are apart of the 250 artworks studied by AP Art History students.
What's Poppin? The Fun History of Pop Tarts
By Adelay Stover
Back in September 1964, Fruit Scones reached the market. You may not know this name, but you probably know the popular breakfast treat Pop Tarts. Fruit Scones are now known as Pop Tarts. Kellogg’s changed the name after they realized that the name was not very appealing and no one was going to buy it. Kellogg’s was influenced by the popular Pop Art movement, and decided on the new name: Pop Tarts. The Pop Art movement consisted of imagery of popular culture combined with the use of bold colors. Pop Tarts have so many different choices that range from traditional flavors (strawberry, blueberry, etc.) to more unique flavors (hot fudge sundae, smores, oreo, etc.). What’s your favorite? Take the survey below!
AVATAR'S BLAST FROM THE PAST: 2008
By Dex Hooker
The first Avatar was published in 1975 and the publication has been continuous ever since then. This article will spotlight some of the best submissions over the years.
I chose to feature the pencil drawing by Becca Cobb from the 2008 Edition of Avatar. I selected this work of art for several reasons. First, I like it because of the photorealistic quality of the drawing. The facial features appear very lifelike and rendered extremely realistic. Secondly, I like that it’s mildly unsettling. Why is she smiling like that? What is she looking at? For these reasons, this work of art by Becca Cobb really stood out to me. Her immense attention to detail really shows in the impressive outcome of this artwork.
Winter Break Spirit Week
Photos provided by Yearbook Staff. To order your yearbooks go to yearbooksforever.com
A Home for the Holidays!
Looking for a new friend for the new year? The Ohio SPCA (Lima Humane Society) is offering a reduced price on adoption fees for December!
Interested in joining the AVATAR Staff?
Join the Avatar Google Classroom (join code dnsu44h)
2023/24 Avatar Staff
Mr. Krawetzke - Avatar Advisor
Vanessa Latimer
Brynn Woods
Carrie Briggs
Caitlyn Smitheram
Seven Lane
Kenidee Morgan
Noah Sims
Chloe Angel
Dex Hooker
Grace Hartman
Adelay Stover
Bella Thompson
