Three De La Salle Collegiate seniors are currently exhibiting their artwork in the DLS TARMAC as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program requirements for the IB Diploma.

All three - Andrew Fergan, Quinn McIntyre, and Andrew Ramirez - have been in art classes for the past three years with DLS Visual Arts instructor John Hicks. 

“Students are required to exhibit a minimum of eight pieces,” Hicks said. 

Fergan’s favorite piece simulates the style of Soviet Russian advertising, with spray paint on plywood. He attended St. Lawrence in Utica for Grade School, and lives in Shelby Township. He is unsure which college he will attend, but does intend to major in biomedical engineering. 

McIntyre, who also attended St. Lawrence and lives in Shelby, plans to major in either aerospace or mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His favorite piece features acrylics and spray paint on canvas, and is intended to symbolize the chaos of the past year. McIntyre said, “The piece is meant to encourage people to enjoy the journey through life and to not think so much about the end. It is about the adventure and building memories, not the destination.” 

Ramirez is also headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His favorite piece, using ink, pen, and charcoal, depicts grotesque and intense personifications of various mental illnesses. “I wanted to show that mental illness is a serious problem,” Ramirez said. He attended Holy Family Regional School in Rochester Hills, and also lives in Shelby Township. He plans to major in neuroscience and enter medical school. 

Hicks is pleased with the students’ work, noting that his role has evolved from teacher to adviser. 

“As sophomores, they learned two-dimensional techniques, drawing, painting, color theory,” Hicks said. “As juniors, they began learning three-dimensional techniques and creating some sculpture. By senior year, it’s almost an independent study, where I advise them on how to make their concept a reality, and say what they are trying to say.” 

Hicks added, “By the end of senior year, they have developed a visual vocabulary, a way of saying things through two and three-dimensional art forms.