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OriginsEven the biggest ideas can have small beginnings. In the community of Palatine Illinois, resides Fremd High School where during the 1999-2000 school year, a small concept began. A high school art exhibition that forced student artists to work within the parameters of a less than ordinary dimension. More work could be shown, more schools could participate and more ideas could be born. Emeritus Department Chair Len Upin felt that the challenge was set and the 4x5 was born. From the spring of 2000 to the spring of 2012 the Chicago Area 4x5 Art Exhibition grew from 12 participating schools to over 40 spanning to schools from "Waukegan to Gurnee to Lombard to the South Side of Chicago." The late Lew Hubbard and the staff of Fremd High School continued to develop, from Len's vision, an exhibition that consistently showcased over 1000 pieces in one year surpassing most Chicago galleries in quantity and grandeur.
The unexpected and devastating loss of the 4x5's driving force shocked us all and understandably put the exhibition on hold. With the permission of our colleagues at Fremd High School and in honor of Mr. Hubbard, we at Oswego High School bring you, once again "the Largest 'Small' Art Show in the Nation." Welcome to the Chicagoland 4x5 Art Exhibition. |
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Who We Are
Oswego High School Visual Arts Department is a program that includes all. It is also an award winning program that brings out the best in Panther Artists.
It is the mission of the Visual Arts Department of Oswego High School to develop the student/artist to learn and embrace a two-stream method of art, the academy and the conceptual. We believe . . . In the academy, which is the ability of the student/artist to render, color, and compose with confidence in their art making. In the conceptual, which is the ability to bring insight, meaning, and awareness of themselves and others in their art making. In the work ethic, student/artist should always come prepared to work and bring a positive contribution to the class. In character, most importantly, student/artist should be a person of high integrity and striving to be the best citizen possible. |
Our History
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Oswego High School opened its doors in the spring of 1951. The existing Oswego High school building is actually the third location of the Oswego High School. When the new high school was built, the former Oswego High School building became Traughber Junior High School. The building remained in use until the junior high moved to a new building in 2008.
In the past decade, Oswego High School has undergone many additions to its existing location to accommodate such a fast growing community. Our Principal, Mr. Michael Wayne, has been with OHS since the Fall 2005. He has overseen a very successful but fast growing community. We are a building of over 2,700 students. Our Fine Arts Program is very supported by our building administration, parents, and Oswego Community. We are fortunate that our Visual Arts staff have been together for a number of years and have built a great team. This team has helped draw out numerous award winning works by our student body. We have also seen great success from our alumni who have gone on to be art educators, artists, museum curators, graphic designers, etc. |