Traditionally, when people hear the word “art,” an image of primary colored paint and canvas come to mind. However, in accordance to the technological advances of the 21st century, art has become increasingly advanced and related to technology, broadening the traditional stereotype of art.

To foster student creation of a more technology-based art, a digital media lab will be created in what used to be a miscellaneous art office located behind the art room in the 40’s building.

“We’ve wanted to make the movement into digital arts because it’s a medium that’s widely used and we want our students to have accessibility to it,” art teacher Gillian Bailey said.

The transformation from storage room to digital lab started five years ago and has been supported by PAINTS, a non-profit membership organization comprised of community members and parents who strive to promote the education of art within PUSD schools and the Piedmont community, according to the Piedmont PAINTS website.

“PAINTS purchased the computers that are currently in there as well as our cameras and tablets,” Bailey said. “PAINTS is also purchasing the tables and furniture as well as our photo printer.”

The school has played an instrumental role in helping with tech support, such as upgrades to the software that students will use in the lab.

“We run Adobe Creative Suite so students have accessibility to Photoshop, Illustrator and all that,” Bailey said.

Because of the lab’s technological advances, it will enable students to share and experience their art in a new way.

“[The lab is] great because it completely changes the way people can interact with art,” said AP art student senior Ilana Franklin. “In some ways it makes it easier and more accessible, both to create and enjoy.”

The lab appeals to students like Franklin, who comprise their AP Art portfolios of art strictly done digitally.

“It’s great that students will be able try more digital art,” Franklin said. “Digital art is different from traditional art because you can’t just pick up a pencil and a piece of paper and teach yourself how to do it. It’s actually really expensive to get all the software or tools that you need to even start learning, and in this case the quality of those tools can really determine the quality of the final product.”

Franklin’s experience with digital art has been not only positive, but different from the traditional paint and brush or pencil and paper experience.

“Digital art is easily the most forgiving medium I’ve ever used, which lets me try as many techniques as I want without having to worry about messing up a piece that I’ve worked really hard on,” Franklin said.

Although PHS’ implementation of Chromebooks has given students more technological ability, students still lack the ability to make digital art.

“[Ceramics teacher Susan] Simonds and I decided that we really wanted to get more computers because the Chromebooks are great but they don’t have Photoshop, they don’t have Illustrator and they don’t have the capability that we need,” Bailey said

Because only 12 computers will be donated, it is unlikely that a digital art class will be created right off the bat.

“We’re working towards it and it’s definitely on our minds, but right now we’re focusing on implementing [the use of the lab] into classes,” Bailey said.

Whether the digital lab results in a digital art class or not, the transition into digital art makes complete sense, considering that media and technology is a staple of our generation.

“Everybody uses their phone for taking pictures and texting and I think we have to acknowledge that,” Bailey said. “Digital drawing is just a different medium.”

The implementation and transition into digital art will also help bring PHS art students up to speed with the qualifications of a 21st century artist.

“Art and technology are becoming increasingly intertwined, and at this point it’s hard to be an artist or a designer if you don’t have at least some understanding of how to use programs like Photoshop or Illustrator,” Franklin said.

Because many materials donated by PAINTS have been received this year, the digital media lab has seen recent progress in its transformation which has been aided by students.