Milford High School art students are ecstatic over the new art honors program available at Milford High School—National Art Honor Society.

The Honor Society is a group of MHS students who use their artistic abilities to help around the community, and with it, graduate with honors.

The program was started by Art Teacher Tara Johnson, but she said the kids will be running the show.

“I always thought it was (impossible) because students were too busy,” Johnson said.  “I had a student who had the desire.  I’ve tried to start Art Club for three years, but it’s never taken off.  But when it’s student led, things really do take off.”

Since the program is new, criteria to join has yet to be determined.  Currently, no artistic experience is required to join.  There are national standards to graduate with colored cords, but most guidelines are decided by student leaders.

The kids are excited to benefit from the program.

“I’d really like to improve my artistic skills and think this would be a good opportunity to do so,” said freshman Eadoin Grim. “Also, I wasn’t able to take an art class this year, so it’s a good creative outlet.”

Others, like freshman Ashley Bush, are excited to use their artistic skills to volunteer around the community.

Johnson said soaking up creativity from peers and professionals is a reward in itself.  “Athletes have teams,” she said.  “Artists don’t get to be social.”  She says she constantly has kids in her art room working with their heads down after school. “Having an art club allows them to be social.”

Helping out around the community and school is one of the main goals of the group.  The group has already begun doing this.  They’ve helped the Leadership class paint downtown Milford’s shop windows for the Homecoming football game and decorated for the dance after the game.

“Decorating for the dance made me feel like I was helping around the school in a positive way,” said freshman Kurt Mastrantonio.

Other goals are to help with other school events, to bring in visiting artists, field trips to places like the Heidelberg Project and Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, and college visits for the older members.

“We’re all born artists,” Johnson says.  “It’s about not forgetting.”

For more information on the National Art Honor Society, contact her at [email protected].