Gage Shackley, Hermon High School
Periodically individuals are featured on the Maine Arts Education blog as part of a series called “Another Student’s Story”. Their “Arts” stories are shared with you. Please share these stories with others. If you know of a student who should be sharing their story, please contact me at argy.nestor@maine.gov and they will be considered for a feature on the Maine Arts Education blog.
Thanks to Mandi Mitchell, visual art teacher, at Hermon High School and Maine Arts Leadership Initiative Teacher Leader, for introducing me to Gage Shackley and his art. I was memorized as I looked at his drawing books – several of them, filled with amazing drawings!
My name is Gage Shackley and I am 18. I am a senior In Hermon High School and I live in Hermon, Maine.What value do you see in taking visual arts courses?
Visual Arts has made me determined to become a better artist. And with the help of my teacher, I believe I have achieved just that.
Name three skills, ideas, or life-long tools that you have learned in your art courses?
I have definitely been pushed toward learning how to take constructive-criticism, although I’m still not a big fan of it. I have also learned that art is a very difficult profession to be great at, so I believe that I try my best to accomplish that. Last is definitely the internet, with it I can always stay in touch with people who I know will always help me with anything and that includes my art.
Han Solo, created using Wacom-like tablet on Photoshop
What is your favorite part of the art course you are presently taking? What are you most proud of?
I am in an Independent Study. I like that I am free to draw just about anything, JUST about. I have been recently trying to draw “models” from life and that’s putting it lightly. I am proud of all of my art including that. I just don’t like the fact of censorship. So, that’s what I’m proud of.
Does anyone encourage and/or support you with your art making?
Yes, just about everyone I know supports me and my art. There isn’t just one person, and I am definitely thankful for that.
Complete the sentence, I enjoy my art classes because…… I enjoy drawing.
Do your studies in art impact other class work or your life outside of school? If so, in what way(s)?
Not really, in the first place I don’t ever have homework, art is my homework. Sometimes the people around me ask for commissions for me and I happily oblige, because you know, money.
What art teacher Mandi Mitchell says about Gage:
I have found that one of Gage’s greatest strengths is how incredibly observant he is. His ability to capture personality, body language, and characteristics of someone within perhaps five minutes of meeting and interacting with them is quite a gift.
Thank you Father, created using Wacom-like tablet on Photoshop
My name is Gage Shackley and I am 18. I am a senior In Hermon High School and I live in Hermon, Maine.
Complete the sentence, I enjoy my art classes because…
me arts ed 