HORSHAM — When students design a piece of art, they start with a plan in their head of what they’re going to make, but plans often change along the way. The final outcome can be equally gratifying or more so, even if it’s unexpected. The same is often true of creative career paths.
Hatboro-Horsham High School’s integrated art department held a Creative Careers Night on November 2 for students and families of grades 8-12 from Hatboro-Horsham and surrounding districts.
“There is a vast array of talent in our creative elective classes,” said Leah Ellert, art teacher and art department chair. “We wanted students who are passionate about art, music, tech ed and family consumer sciences to know that there are absolutely career options out there for them that they may not know exist.”
Twelve local panelists spoke to about 120 guests about their career paths, many of which were non-linear. Pastry Chef Lakresha Jolly began her career as a nurse. She started baking cakes for her kids’ birthdays as a way to save money and ended up falling in love with baking. Self-taught, Jolly eventually decided to pursue baking full-time and opened a food truck, Kresha Kreations. Her success selling cookies, cupcakes and desserts is now leading to her first brick-and-mortar bakery, opening soon in Jenkintown.
Other panelists included a floral and event designer, music producer/audio engineer, architect, interior designer and mechanical design engineer. Many panelists had similar stories to Jolly. They studied completely different topics in college and made career shifts to creative fields.
During the event, students learned that creativity is integrated into so many different fields. Jody Bortner, a principal partner at 3FX, is an animator for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Her career taught students that art can align with many other interests they may have such as in math or science.
“I heard from a number of students saying ‘I had no idea that there was art in that field,’” said Ellert.
They also learned that the trope of “the starving artist” isn’t the case anymore. All the panelists have built lucrative careers for themselves.
“Students could see that creative careers are attainable and speak with role models in their community who are successful in these fields,” explained Ellert.
After all the panelists introduced themselves and spoke about their careers, each panelist moved to their own table where they could show samples of their work. Students had the ability to sit in on small groups with the panelists and browse the careers they were most interested in.
“Even though all of the panelists are experts in their fields, they were equally patient and relatable to our kids. The conversations began with student questions but often blossomed into deep explanation, demonstrating ideas, or centered around mentorship advice,” said Ellert.
Ellert and Future Ready School Counselor Meghann Townsend spearheaded the event, and the entire integrated arts department (art, music, tech ed, family consumer sciences) faculty pitched in to help.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Ellert. “We expected around 60 to 80 guests to attend, but it ended up being around 120. It was amazing!”
The integrated arts department is planning to make this a bi-annual event to allow students the opportunity to attend as lower and upperclassmen.
