by Camille Knecht

Dedicated students have been putting their creativity and artistic talents to work, enhancing the decoration of both Woodbridge High School and the community through the Art Services Club.

So far this school year, the most successful and popular project, according to club secretary Gabriela Morales, senior, was the mural painted outside of cafeteria 125. The mural, which received recognition from both Principal Mr. Lottmann and Mayor McCormac at the unveiling of the restored courtyard, depicts an outdoor location replete with a waterfall and mountains in the background.

The members of the club chose to paint this scene because it has “a peaceful and calm vibe for students to eat next to,” according to Morales. In contrast to the serenity of the courtyard, Art Services has been tapped to depict a unique scene at the Woodbridge Train Station.

The mural, commissioned by the Township, will represent past wars that America took part in. Woodbridge High’s Art Services was asked to represent the war in Afghanistan. From there, the club will come back to the high school to gear up for the annual musical.

This year’s production, Bring It On: The Musical, will feature an elaborate backdrop. In addition, the club will help to construct different sceneries which, according to Morales, go from a “cheerleading, peppy environment to more hip-hop and street.”

Large-scale projects obviously take a longer amount of time to complete. The backdrop for the musical, for instance, can take as long as two months, Morales said.

Mr. Angatia, club advisor, said the club is “mostly a design and art club for all school activities and community projects.” He added that the club does not call for artistic ability, that anyone who is interested may join.

Club president Chris Phan, senior, agreed, saying, “Since the club is based on community service, students shouldn’t be intimidated by art.”

Presently, there are 32 students in the club, plus the art classes also get to participate from time to time. The club meets every Wednesday, or as many times as needed during lengthy projects.

Community service hours are given to to members of Art Services since it contributes to bettering the school and community, and tasks from teachers are performed to amplify classrooms, as well, according to Morales.

Over all, Art Services improves the community through the individuality and expression of each member and all members as a unit. “Art Services has made an impact on the school and the community as a whole,” Morales said, “and it gives the students an opportunity to voice themselves in a creative way.”