Stop for just a second and notice your surroundings. Almost everything you see is some form of art; from the clothing design you are sporting to the colors of your surrounding walls, from the design of your furniture to the style of your hair, from the music you sing to the vehicle that transports you.

Art is more important than many people realize. Without artists, our lives would be lacking in many ways. Therefore Krystal Murphy, Noxon High School (NHS) art teacher, is supporting aspiring artists by encouraging imaginative expression while elevating artistic skill levels.

"I have always been an artist," said Murphy. "I have an undergraduate in fine arts and took a three-year break and am in my last semester of graduate school. I have been teaching for 7 years in Noxon."

When visiting Murphy's classroom, it doesn't take long to figure out that her students truly enjoy their time in the studio. Without art, all students agreed that "there would be no color in life, it would be very dull, and we would have no way to express ourselves."

Senior Caitlyn Hagen believes art is responsible for growing her "interest in creating and providing an outlet to expressing myself." Hagen began her art career when living in Sandpoint. "I went to a private Christian school and we created our own art class. I have loved it ever since." She is glad to have the option to further her artistic experience in Noxon.

"Painting is my favorite and is a great way to relieve stress," she continued. Hagen hosted an art show for her senior project. She is currently planning a paint and sip production for late April and becoming a graphic design artist and photographer post high school.

Cody Brodmerkle, another senior at NHS, agrees with her fellow classmate. "My whole family is full of artists. My mom is an excellent painter, I learned a lot from her." She feels the best thing about art class is that it "allows me to escape based on how I feel that day; through my drawing and painting," Brodmerkle's favorite forms of art.

"Being able to get out of my head and feel happiness, calmness and get into a better state of mind," is what senior Christina Smith feels are the biggest benefits of practicing art. "It is important to keep art. Without it, people would lose originality and uniqueness about them."

Shana Neesvig

GOOD GRAFFITI – Senior Damien Schwalback loves to write in graffiti, and made a sign to encourage everyone to continue to dream big.

Perhaps Dakota Carter summed up what all the students were saying. "Our teacher is awesome, art is a class that you look forward to." He continued, "Ms. Murphy teaches us a lot about life too; because we can talk to her about anything. We are really lucky to have art class at our school. I know a lot of kids who have had art taken away and I feel sorry for them," he stated addressing the lack of art programs for some students. "Ms. Murphy is lucky too! She gets to see us for who we really are, unlike the other teachers. We come to art class and we can be ourselves in here," he finished, commenting that he