Art in Action: Students Choosing Art Careers

According to the American Community Survey in Washington Heights, it used to be that 0 NYC civilians 16 or over were employed in arts, design, entertainment or media occupations in 2024. Now, 11th grade students in CHAH wonder if they would pursue an art related career once they graduate. Career choices after graduation are a very important decision for students and art is an expressive part of CHAH.

“…every year, we always have someone who’s gone off to be something in art, whether it’s someone who’s going to do graphic design or we’ve had students who have gone to art education as well,” said Ms. Macknight, CHAH’s art teacher. Ms. MacKnight teaches many different kinds of art to the majority of students at CHAH, no matter the grade. Every year, she inspires students to pursue art related careers whether it’s in art education or a more expressive form of art career.

“I like expressing myself through my artwork, it doesn’t turn out good but, as long as I know the meaning, it’s okay,” explained Lailanni Rodriguez, an 11th grade student that participated in an art class. Rodriguez finds that art is one of the most important ways she expresses herself, as many other students in Ms. MacKnight’s art class. Rodriguez says that being in an art class makes her feel creative, allowing herself to make abstract paintings, drawings and take amazing pictures with deep meaning.

“It shows that I also have a living talent that I can use as a career or I could use as a hobby,” said Matthew Vazquez, an 11th grade student that was voted one of the top artists by his class, taking second place. Although Vasquez isn’t actively pursuing an art related career, he still thinks art is important for the future. This shows that art doesn’t have to be a choice, it can still be an option that can be done later on.

“I’m always so proud of them… they get to be part of an experience where maybe something they didn’t think that they could be a part of or knew about…” said Ms. MacKnight.