Mix together talent, the primary colors and the creativity of Orono High School art students, and the result is a pretty picture. Multiply that talent by ten, throw in some paint brushes and a field trip to Wisconsin, and you get a masterpiece.

On Feb. 7, art students from Orono ventured to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls accompanied by art teacher, Jayne Hudgins.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is located about an hour west of Orono, right across the Wis. border.

After arriving, the group was given the opportunity to expose themselves to different art mediums at the all day workshop. Some of the mediums included ceramics and painting.

“I went to a ceramics class, where we learned how to make a bowl–except with our feet,” junior Shannon Cogbill said. “I learned so many new aspects in familiar art mediums.”

Students also had the option of trying art mediums not available through Orono’s art program.

“I had the chance to write my name in Mayan hieroglyphics. We also learned a little bit about Mayan history,” junior Meghan Swanson said.

Other classes offered during the day included printmaking, reverse dyeing, working with fibers and shibori dyeing.

“I worked with felt to make a scarf,” junior Eleanor Fossen said.

The different classes were put on by staff and students at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls who volunteered their time to work with students from the surrounding Minn. and Wis. High Schools.

“The staff and students were impressive, and very willing to help others,” Hudgins said.

Students also connected with the other artists from high schools that attended the workshop.

“I enjoyed getting to know other art students who have similar interests as me,” Fossen said. “Everyone was so laid back and accepting of one another.”

The field trip gave students a taste of what it would be like to pursue a degree in the art field in the near future.

Currently the “starving artist” myth is finally being put to rest. According to College Express, each year the art industry forms 5.7 million full-time jobs nationwide. This means that there is plenty of opportunity for high school students to pursue careers that are artistic in nature.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers a variety of art degrees including majors in fine arts, art history or artistic education. Within the fine arts category, students can major in art mediums such as fibers, photography, drawing, ceramics, glass and painting. Students also have the option of minoring in art along with another major of their choice. All of these degree options leave students with a blank canvas of opportunity.

“Art is bigger than just here [in High School],” Hudgins said. “It is a serious field of study.”

Add in a sprinkle of inspiration, some charcoal and a future in the art industry. The masterpiece turns into the artists of the future.