Fine Arts Program Experiencing Rapid Growth At Johnston Community College

November 18, 2002

Over the last year, the Fine Arts program at Johnston Community College has experienced tremendous growth. Two important factors contribute to the enrollment growth at JCC. First, Coordinator/Instructor of the Fine Arts program, John Byrd, is an alumnus of Johnston Community College. He received his associate degree at JCC before moving on to Barton College for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Painting; then completing his Master of Fine Arts at East Carolina University, in painting and drawing.

Byrd has an emotional attachment to JCC and it is reflected in the manner in which he invests himself in his students as well as the way he instructs them. Gloria Kutschied and Frank Creech are also highly skilled instructors in the fine arts program. Kutschied received her Master's of Art degree from Ball State University in photography. Creech received his Master's of Science from Florida State in art education and constructive design. Kutschied and Creech each bring their own unique and distinctive style of teaching to their classes. "We all strive to enhance the educational experiences of all our students and I believe the diverse backgrounds and personalities of each instructor aids in the breadth of instruction and care given to each student." Byrd stated.

Johnston Community College is a wonderful place for students to consider as they begin their college careers. The goal of the Fine Arts program at JCC is to prepare students to successfully transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The JCC instructors strive to set the stage for the continued prosperity of their students. Several graduates from the Fine Arts program have gone on to transfer to programs at Appalachian, ECU, Meredith, and Barton College.

Secondly, the Fine Arts department, along with support from the Johnston Community College Foundation, has sponsored the Johnston Community College Annual High School Art Competition for the last two years. The primary focus of the art competition is to showcase the talent of area high school students as well as bring much deserved recognition to the high schools art teachers. The Johnston Community College Foundation funds scholarships for the first three place winners. "The JCC Foundation has been extremely supportive of the JCC Annual Art Competition from its inception. We could not have seen such tremendous growth in the Fine Arts department without the help and support of the JCC Foundation, especially Al Warrick." Byrd added.

The competition also affords the Fine Arts department the opportunity to inform high school students, their parents, and their teachers about the fine arts program offered at JCC. The quality of instruction offers great opportunity for the students, as they grow and develop as young artists. As a direct result of the art competition, the department enrolled 16 new students for the fall semester, quadrupling its size.

Last year’s competition winner, Arwen Horn, is a first year student at Johnston Community College.  Horn studied with Cathy Rickard while a student at Southeast Raleigh High School. When asked her assessment of JCC so far, Horn stated, "I am really enjoying being here at Johnston Community College. The instructors and students are very nice and it is a very relaxing learning environment."

2002 Art Competition winner Arwen Horn
with Art Department Coordinator/Instructor John Byrd

This year’s art competition will be held in March. All forms of art are accepted for the competition. High school art instructors or students interested in submitting artwork for the competition should contact John Byrd at 209-2174.