On Wednesday, September 11, high school juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to visit the Walter Anderson exhibit at The MAX.
Anderson, a writer and painter, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. After attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and working as a designer, he moved to Ocean Springs, MS, where he would create many notable pieces.
The exhibit included a variety of Anderson’s different works, such as sketches, prints, ceramics, and watercolors.
When asked what the MAX’s purpose in bringing the Walter Anderson exhibit to the museum was, Education Director Dr. Heather LaCoste replied, “We desire to connect our community to other parts of the state but also to bring other states here to the MAX. So I think we wanted to celebrate Walter Anderson, his contributions, and partner with [his] family in doing that.”
When discussing what students could learn from this experience, she added, “I hope students look a little more closely at nature that’s around them and realize that it doesn’t have to be an expensive or elaborate endeavor. They can use what is around them and be interested in the particulars of animals and plants and the things that are around them, or the things that interest them.”
In addition to viewing Anderson’s artwork, students were able to create some of their own through a watercolor activity, mirroring his ability to craft various kinds of paintings.
Senior Taylor Thompson says her favorite part of this trip was when she got to paint, and one thing she learned was that “Walter Anderson liked nature so much that he tied himself to a tree during a hurricane to experience what nature experienced.”
Students also got to explore other areas of The MAX. Junior Sarah Sullivan shares, “I liked to see all of the different artifacts that people have been wearing. It reminds you of what they did during their lives.”
Overall, WLHS juniors and seniors had a good time at The MAX and learned many things about Walter Anderson and his career as an artist.
