National Art Honor Society (NAHS) is a space where creativity and community intertwine. The organization’s primary goal is to recognize students with a passion and talent for art. 

Art teacher Aimee Hinshaw, NAHS co-sponsor and a former art therapist, believes that art is a great way for students to express themselves and let loose through their art.

“Teaching art is great because it’s very different from any other class like math or science,” Hinshaw said. “I try to make my class more like a relaxation class where students can come to ‘express and decompress.’”

Senior student officer Naavya Dangi first thought of NAHS as a casual and fun hobby. 

“But when I actually got involved, I met a lot of really amazing people and really great artists,” Dangi said. “It was a good way to make connections with other artists and not only within this school but outside as well because we do a lot of other stuff that involves the community.”

NAHS organizes fairs and art competitions, and creates art to represent different cultures present on campus, such as murals.

“The murals were a way for us to represent the different cultures that are present in our school, and we try to give back to different members of the community here,” junior student officer Rahul Reddy said.

While NAHS shares similarities with Art Club, its key differences are that it combines service with art and allows students to learn many skills beneficial for the future.

“Because it’s an honor society, you have to be a certain level of skill at art to be a part of the club,” Reddy said. “There are high standards for those who want to join. NAHS is free for everyone, however, students must be passing their regular art class in order to join.”

Despite these requirements, NAHS maintains an inclusive environment.

“NAHS is essentially a place where people from different backgrounds and different mediums come together and have workshops where we showcase artistic talents and just come together,” Dangi said.