by Julia Chojnacki
On Monday, March 13 the art department organized a career fair open to all students. The fair consisted of interactive artists who showed off their specific talents and careers. Most of the artists were graduates of York Suburban. The point of the career fair was to showcase the many careers that art students can go into, and show the students that YS students just like them have become successful in the art field.
In addition to artists, art colleges were also invited to the event. College representatives were able to give a brief introduction of their college and its art program to give students access to possible colleges for undergraduate art study. Some schools at the event included Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Tyler School of Art, Millersville University, and the Antonelli Institute.
Some of the artists present at the event included Brady Pappas-a recent graduate and photographer who showcased his photography equipment, photography skills, and models. Pappas’ word of advice for all of the students was to “not let money stop you from doing what you want to do” explaining that a career does not have to pay a lot to be a successful and satisfying job.
Lydia Gott, mother to YSHS senior Ellie Gott, who recently moved from Tennessee, sang and played guitar in front a small audience of students, and explained the many musical opportunities possible for singers, musicians, and songwriters. She also encouraged students to find their musical niche and improve skills with voice lessons and musical training.
Christi Clark, a tattoo artist at Marked 4 Life tattoo shop explained how students can express their art through other people. She explained to students that becoming a tattoo artist requires getting involved with the right person who will mentor you as an apprentice and teach you what you need to know. Clark explained the wide range of tattooing styles and being successful as a tattoo artists requires you to find your own personal style.
Bizzy McIlnay is employed for a general contractor which works alongside IKEA and Lowe’s to express art in custom designed kitchens. Mcilnay said she likes her job because she gets to see her work come to life in a completed kitchen which provides her with “immediate gratification” where she can see that what she does has a direct impact on her client’s everyday life.
Art teacher Karen Fornadel said she finds that the career fair is helpful for students and a lot of students enjoy it. Art student Lilian Ryder said she loved the career fair and she “met so many cool colleges” and she’s “sure it helped a lot of juniors or even seniors who were unsure of what colleges were out there.” Ryder also said she “got a lot of inspiration from the people who have already made it in the art field” which will help her next year as she starts her undergraduate art education at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Junior Bryce Gavin said he found the career fair to be “useful and enthralling.”