Aiken Prep Art Cottage gets total makeover 12/16/2009 7:59 PM By DONNA DeTROYE Contributor
The Art Cottage at Aiken Preparatory School received a total makeover last month thanks to the hard work and talents of Kathy Nowlin and her daughter, Nicole.
Kathy has been part of the Aiken Prep family since 1999 when she and her husband, Bill, first transformed the Assistant Headmaster's residence into an art studio where students could explore and practice their artistic abilities.
Kathy Nowlin left her faculty position at the school in 2006 but returned this fall with a vision not only for the building but also for her art program.
The Art Cottage hosts the art program for middle and high school students now, but will serve grades 4K through 12th grade next year.
"We are trying to make it a lighter atmosphere where all grades can work," Nicole Nowlin said.
With the help of SMB Painting, Kathy and Nicole were able to transform the Art Cottage over the Thanksgiving Break into a place where students can feel inspired.
"Kathy and Nicole have wrapped their arms around the building once again," said Debbie Boehner, Head of School. "It is a warm, inviting and creative environment."
The Nowlins have also revamped the art program to be a strong college preparatory program. "I want to create a studio art program that teaches skills," said Kathy Nowlin. "You have to practice art." She hopes that graduates of Aiken Prep will leave with an art portfolio as well as a diploma. This year, students have explored sculpting, drawing, painting and multimedia work as well as learning about aspects of art history.
The school held a special open house in early December to show off the changes to the building as well as the students' artwork.
"Mrs. Nowlin helps me express things that I don't know how to put on paper," said eighth-grader Devin Burton. Senior Russell Robinson added, "She brings out the best in people's abilities."
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