Hundreds of students find themselves herded into the Mainstage, excited to see an explosion of arts. No, it’s not a theater performance. Neither is it a bullying presentation. It’s a day to celebrate the arts and combine the spirit of Thanksgiving with that of Bak Middle School of the Arts. Welcome to Artsgiving, a festive display of students’ many talents. 

A core aspect among the many things  Artsgiving brings to the table is the presentations and performances. These show students what other art areas can do, helping dispel common stereotypes and creating educated and informed interpretations of other art areas.

“Most students aren’t able to see the performance element and the hard work that we can contribute with that. So being able to be part of speech and debate and showing those speeches shows off that performative element that is pivotal for us to captivate and engage our audience,” Claire Holmes, communications teacher, said. 

Many students are not always educated in the other majors. Artsgiving gives the performers a chance to demonstrate each of their unique skills during the school day rather than through spaced-out performances that are offered after school

The visual arts department painted their annual mural this year with the theme of “World Peace.” In past years, themes have been diversity and unity. This theme holds different meanings to both the artists and the students who did not work on it.

“[From the mural], students can see and recognize that there are these problems and helping to that cause [and problem] is important,” Veronika Kravchenko, eighth-grade visual major said.

The fact that the mural is trying to send messages of peace serves as a symbol of what the school stands for.

The school watches at least one performance every day: the morning announcements via Bak MSOA Today. However, there isn’t always much exposure to the other art areas, unless students decide to engage in various elective classes. Lee Glaze, magnet coordinator, views this celebration as a way to unite the student body.

“ [Artsgiving] is just bringing the arts together and everybody sharing a moment and seeing what the kids are doing throughout the school year here on campus,” Glaze said.