Michelangelo’s fresco magnificently spread across the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is debatably the best single piece of art. Much of the fame is credited to the three hundred and more figures, but the work also has a beautiful interpretation. God reaches toward Man, waiting for Man to reach out as well. Yes, Michelangelo’s technique and methods are remarkable, but his idea is nearly flawless. Through this painting, Michelangelo exhibits how art is one of the purest connections mankind has to God.

At Calvary Christian Academy, art is recognized as an ideal medium of expression. To create an environment supportive of artistic experimentation, CCA is home to one of the top Art departments.

“Art will always reflect its time, said Mrs. Noemi Klipfel, secondary art teacher. “It will always leave a story behind about humanity, where we are, where we’ve been, what we think and what we believe. I love teaching here. My CCA students energize me with their love, enthusiasm and talents.”

The teachers at CCA have done an unbelievable job inspiring the students to see the divine purpose of expression through art. Man is made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), and as He clearly enjoyed creating, so does His creation. “Art is a reflection of God, He is the Master Artist and He created everything with a sense of purpose and value. God blessed artists with the gift to create, and as a Christian, I believe our purpose is to lift up all art to the glory of God,” says Senior Alexis Kuchenbecker.

Students like Alexis continue that purpose daily with every stroke cast against a blank canvas, bringing a reflection of life out of nothingness. As CCA continues to “raise disciples of Jesus Christ…spiritually, academically, and socially,” Calvary students continue to grow artistically as well.

The basis of this art exhibit first started when secondary art teachers, Noemi Klipfel and Mark Merrill, wanted to show CCA students and staff what goes on in the art classes. Mr. Merrill tells us, “At present, this area is more of an ongoing showcase of what’s being created in some secondary art classes during the year as it is being made—kind of like a real-time display of an art class. Students, administrators, visitors, pastors, and workers stroll by even over-head from a number of different perspectives.” Mrs. Klipfel adds on and says, “The purpose is to glorify God by allowing the staff and church to see our students’ God-given talents, as well as encourage our students by giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

If you’ve ever taken a look at the art exhibit in CCA’s “putting green” on the first floor of the Discipleship Building, you may be well-aware of the projects going on there. Mr. Merrill gives us some details to these projects, “Last week, students watched AP (Advanced Placement) students drawing profile self-portraits from life using double mirrors: a very difficult project. They also witnessed VE (Varying Exceptionalities) students drawing “Joe,” who is a full-sized wood mannequin. God knows what is next.”

Mrs. Klipfel clarifies, “This is not meant to replace the big, end-of-the-year CCA Annual Art Show.” The exhibit now is just displaying the work being produced in our art classes here at CCA at this moment. It must not be confused with the Annual Art Show later in the spring.

Art can be defined as “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance,” according to dictionary.com. Art is not just art. It takes courage and passion.