October 5, 2024
A copy of the speech given by ArtQuest Co-Director, Brooke Delello at the Fall Showcase:

   I want to take the opportunity to highlight the importance and accomplishments of this specialized visual and performing arts program at Santa Rosa High School. ArtQuest provides students with more than just an outlet for creativity; it is a platform where our young people can hone their talents, explore their identities, and find their voices. The impact of our classes goes far beyond the classroom.

    Let me brag a little about the accomplishments of the ArtQuest program and our amazing students. Did you know that schools that offer specialized arts programs have consistently seen those students excel not only in their artistic disciplines but in academic performance as well. Research shows that students engaged in the arts are more likely to achieve higher test scores, demonstrate improved critical thinking skills, and develop strong communication abilities, and we have seen that here over our 31 years! ArtQuest has seen students win awards, gain scholarships, have their works featured in galleries and exhibitions, and perform on stages all over the world! 

     Beyond the accolades and awards, the importance of ArtQuest lies in its ability to provide students with unique, transformative experiences. Our specialties teach students collaboration, discipline, and emotional intelligence. When a student participates in a dance performance, for instance, they are learning to work as part of a team, interpreting direction, and performing under pressure—all skills that are transferable to any career path.

     ArtQuest also prides itself on emphasizing student voice. Whether it’s through drawing, photographing, theater, or music, students are given the opportunity to express themselves in ways that traditional subjects may not allow. These experiences give students a chance to explore social issues, challenge norms, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. In today’s world, where communication skills and the ability to empathize with others are critical, the arts offer a distinct advantage.

     But, perhaps the thing that I love most about the ArtQuest program and faculty, is that, for many students, we provide a sense of belonging and community. The creative environment is a place where students who may not feel connected to traditional academic tracks can thrive and develop their confidence. ArtQuest helps to foster a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive culture within Santa Rosa High School.

     Our theme this year, Be Outrageous, is intended to do just that. Art is more than technique—it's a voice, a message, a rebellion against the ordinary. Creativity isn’t meant to fit in a box. It’s meant to be wild, bold, and unapologetic. Being outrageous means daring to dream beyond the canvas, to take risks that make people pause, think, and feel something unexpected. It’s about expressing yourself in ways that might make others uncomfortable or challenge what’s considered "normal." As artists, we have the power to be a force of change. The art we create doesn’t just represent who we are—it shapes the world around us. So let’s choose to be outrageous in creativity. Let’s choose to take that leap into the unknown, to let imagination explode and to never be afraid of standing out. After all, art is about breaking boundaries, not conforming to them. So here’s to being loud, bold, and fearless in our creativity. Here's to being outrageous.