The arts at FUHS have been a key component to the school’s success for as long as it has been around. But a couple years ago, a new two-year arts program was introduced called BEAST, an acronym for biology, engineering, arts, science and technology. First-years participate in a mechanical arts design and engineering class (M.A.D.E.), while second-years take biological arts design and engineering (B.A.D.E.).

Sophomore Erin Sharp was no stranger to the arts before joining the BEAST program.

“I’ve been an artist since I was in third grade, that is when I discovered I could draw,” said Sharp. “My style is realism or freestyle, I guess I don’t really have a specific style. I like trying all different types of mediums, but I love painting the most.”

Usually the BEAST program is only available for upperclassmen to take, but Sharp was an exception, much to her surprise.

“I was so stoked, I thought it was a really cool opportunity to take,” said Sharp.

Sharp enjoys the creative freedom BEAST has given her in an academic setting.

“BEAST, to me, is like an engineering art class. You get to build and design and be creative and make your ideas 3-D,” said Sharp. “I enjoy the creativity you get to use in the class. You have to do certain things to make the project but you get to be creative about it and there’s no set rules and you get to express yourself and show how your brain is working and putting everything together.”

Most projects in BEAST are long term because they involve technical work and careful planning. Sharp gives input on what she along with the class have been working on and what they are working towards.

“We are working on building kind of like a human but just the top half,” said Sharp. “We are working on the torso right now and we are soon going to be adding arms. One that involves the making of puppetry and the other is going to be a mechanical arm. And right now for the torso, our goal is to make one and have a head turn back and forth.”

The BEAST program is definitely not your everyday arts class. As Sharp said, the class gives students a chance to express their creativity and to make ideas come to life.

Although the program has made her more creative, Sharp believes her art style has not changed, and is continuing her involvement in the program next year.

Sharp would like to continue to pursue arts after high school, and hopes to explore the options available to her in the artistic field.