New student art gallery commemorates McCue’s legacy

What used to be a room full of filing cabinets and conference tables is now filled with rows upon rows of vivid student art, all produced from the art students. The new SHS Student Art Gallery, commemorating the life and passion of the late art teacher Steve McCue, debuted its first show from Nov. 6-21 in the former College and Career Center, and will continue to display student work year-round.

What started out as a wish to commemorate McCue’s life found its form in this major milestone for the school and the art community in particular. Ceramics teacher Leah Aguayo and art teacher Diana Vanry came up with the idea of a gallery.

“We both thought that it would be the best way to commemorate Mr. McCue’s life and his presence as an art  teacher at SHS — a much better idea, we thought, than a plaque or park bench,” Vanry said.

McCue passed away on Jan. 4 at the age of 47 after fighting against a rare form of lung cancer. McCue was diagnosed a year before his passing, but chose to continue teaching as much as possible even as his health was fading

The gallery will continuously display the works of both art and ceramics students. In the first show, all pieces created by students in Advanced Art are on display, as well as several Art 2 pieces and many creations from the ceramics classes. 

“Our original idea was to create pieces based on the Dia de los Muertos ‘Tree of Life,’ but it evolved,” Vanry said.  “The first show really is representative of Mr. McCue's spirit and passion for the arts.”

Student work featured in the gallery include “Nurture in Nature,” an oil pastel piece inspired by the “good and bad sides of life,” created by Art 3 student senior Kate Saavedra. Another pastel piece titled “Unanimous,” drawn by Art 3 student senior Doris Hsu, displays a vivid image of rushing water and a stable tree, alluding to both the “contrast and unity” of nature.

One part of the gallery is a tribute to McCue, an altar covered with pictures of him and his idol Cher, as well as vibrant pottery and art pieces, is a constant display of remembrance and respect for a man who left such a large impact on the school community. Students are able to come in and celebrate McCue’s life through the artwork, regardless if they knew him or not.

Sophomore Michael Owyang, who had McCue as a teacher last year, thought it to be a meaningful experience.

“Mr. McCue was an extremely dedicated, passionate teacher who did everything he could just to come to class and get through the day with his condition,” Owyang said. “I think it’s great that they're commemorating him and the imprint he left with this gallery.”

Visiting after school, freshman Spring Ma was also awed by the featured artwork and McCue’s presence in the gallery.

“It was very kind of the art department to dedicate such a great exhibition to Mr. McCue,” Ma said. “Even though I’ve never met him, to see the effect he’s had on the students and teachers here at SHS is really inspiring.” 

The gallery, which will continually refresh the art that is displayed, plans to stay open and consistently exhibit student work on an ongoing basis.

“I truly believe that art needs to be seen,” Vanry said. “Students, faculty, and the community can view the incredible work that the students are creating, and the students who create the work will gain a sense of pride having their work on display to the public. The advantages are twofold.”