February 21, 2020 -- Two Heights High artists received awards in the 2020 Cleveland Clinic eXpressions art program. Senior Logan Anderson (L) received a red ribbon for his metal bracelet and junior William Benham received an Honorable Mention for his metal necklace.
The students received the awards at the Opening Reception on February 13 at the Cleveland Clinic Samson Health Education Campus. More than 1,400 works were submitted by artists from 60 schools.
The program has high school students read a piece of medical research from the Cleveland Clinic and use it as inspiration for a work of visual art or written text. The research topics focused on five public health issues: diabetes, heart disease, infant mortality, obesity, and opiods/pain management.
Heights High art teacher and artist William Benham
with Superintendent Liz Kirby and Assistant Principal
Jane Simeri, (L-R) at the opening reception.
Logan’s piece (left) reflects diabetes research and is titled Chained Down. “People with diabetes are imprisoned by their symptoms, they have to follow a strict dietary lifestyle and are chained to their medication,” said Logan.
He is also interested in ceramics and has taken classes at the Cleveland Institute of Art. When he graduates in May, he plans to take a gap year to travel and then attend college.
William’s piece (below) reflects research on opioids/pain management and is titled Toothpain. He noted that many young people struggle with addiction and that dental clinics dispense pain killers, often to teen patients.
“I used the imagery of braces for teeth because teens usually are the age group who have braces and addiction can cause damage to teeth,” said William.
He is also in the Engineering program and on the Robotics team. He appreciates the connection between art, design, and engineering and plans to study engineering in college.
Nancy Rich is their art teacher.