The Art department has had many changes over the past year with the hiring of new teacher Heather Cornelius.  Department head Andrew Deem is excited for the 2025-26 year which promises even more changes. The art department is rebuilding this year; they are hiring a new art teacher, with longtime teacher Tom Gross retiring.

The department has seen growth over the past years. Deem states, “The ceramics classes used to only be four classes per semester when I first started here, and then every year since then we have had more. Now we have ceramics classes every period of the day.” He says the growth is due to students wanting to be able to slow down, remove themselves from other classes, think about their art, and work with their hands and really take a break. “It helps you remove yourself from your stresses,” according the Deem. 

Deem also talks about the loss of Gross. “He [Gross] helps to look at the past while also looking into the future.” Gross’s role at Bellarmine is working in the visual arts as the drawing and painting teacher. His primary impact on the department, besides being a strong teacher, is advocating for artists. “Tom is really dedicated to advocating for the arts as the main poster that hangs in his room is ‘art is work.’” With the loss of Gross next year, Deem will have to continue Gross’s legacy in advocating for young artists and the art department. 

Deem is excited to see what a new hire will bring into the art department. “It will open stuff up, but it is sad to see someone leave.”

Deem plans to see what the new hire has to offer and what new special skills they will bring to the department. “We are open to seeing what the students want to take; at the end of the day we are here to serve the students,” shared Deem. 

Even with the loss of Tom Gross, the Art department will come back better and stronger.  As Mr Deem said, “It’s a new season for us, one that we can grow and work with new people.”