According to art teacher Jennifer Bubp, the art department is creating the ArtsGarden in the freshman center courtyard located behind Room H115.

“We wanted to transform this very unused, empty courtyard space into a beautiful, aesthetics, inspiring outdoor classroom setting,” Bubp said. “It could be a space for students to create artwork; for the English classes to do writing activities; for performing arts to use to do small performances; for special education students to go out when they need to go outside.”

The ArtsGarden will include flowers, artwork and a hanging arbor and will feature a mural that celebrates the history of Carmel and the Art and Design District. The industrial technology department has also collaborated with the art department to create seating to accommodate 40 people.

“We’re going to do some fall planting within the next month and then next spring is when the seating will be in,” Bubp said.“We hope the majority of it will be finished next summer.”

The art department will host fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the ArtsGarden. Currently, it is hosting a Perennial-a-Thon where CHS staff and students can contribute $10, $20 or $40 towards the cost of perennials in honor of a loved one or mentor.

“We’re going to place a plaque that will be a permanent feature of the garden that will honor the people who donate and their loved ones,” Bubp said.

She said that this project has been something she wanted to do for a number of years.

“I wanted to create a collaborative experience where students, faculty, departments, where we all come together to create something beautiful. I want this to be something that brings the community together,” Bubp said. “I’m very humbled right now and excited because people are responding and the idea that we’re going to honor people that we’ve loved and have inspired us to do what we’re doing now – I just think that’s a beautiful thing.”