This year a new position was created on the Student Executive Council (SEC). Senior Monica Datta is the first Visual Arts Commissioner, and she is approaching her position with ambition and a clear vision.

The addition of the Visual Arts Commissioner to the council was proposed and passed by last year’s SEC. “SEC noticed that in the past, many aspects of Gunn, such as sports, had been well publicized but the visual/performing arts program had not been recognized as much,” Datta said. “We have art galleries, concerts, shows and not enough students are aware of them.”

Datta has a few events planned to accomplish her duties, including a competition in which art teachers will nominate students’ work from their classes. The winners will then be given a prize, and might have their work displayed in the SAC and featured in the features section of The Oracle. “This way people’s works are being recognized, and students can be proud of all their effort,” Datta said

Besides promoting visual arts, Datta also hopes to encourage more students to attend musical performances. “Even if you are indifferent about a school concert, just check it out because your peers worked really hard on it and it turns out great,” she said.

Datta also wants to start decorating the school, suggesting to “maybe have a [student-made] mural somewhere and to paint the benches on the quad,” she said.

In addition, Datta wishes to organize an art fair at the end of the year. “We can display art and have [performances] from the choir and bands,” she said. “Clubs can sell food and maybe have a chalk drawing contest—something fun for everyone to do.”

Being the very first Visual Arts Commissioner has its share of challenges. “Starting off was definitely a little hard,” Datta said. “There was no job description so I’m thrown in there blind. It was hard to figure what I was supposed to be doing, but I have a lot of support from teachers and SEC.”

Datta’s art connections have also helped her. “I’ve been a member of band since fifth grade, and I have been in stage tech as the paint head for One Acts last year, so I have some connections especially to drama and band members.”

Art teacher Mark Gleason is impressed by Datta. “Monica is proactive, confident and seems to really know where she’s going,” he said. Gleason hopes that Datta will be able to help promote art events and increase the exposure of Gunn’s art programs. “Art is an large umbrella that encompasses music, sculpture, theatre, drawing and photo.” Gleason said. “I hope that she can get the information to students that there is a lot going on.” Gleason also offered to help Datta. “I told her that my graphic design class can do posters for [events], just to bring awareness to our programs.”

As the first Visual Arts Commissioner, Datta wants to set an example for subsequent students that hold her position. “I want them to continue to show off what [arts] we do, and take it to a whole new level,” Datta said.