Artist Visit: Broderick Flanigan
Above: ENGAGED IN THE ART: Local Athens artist Broderick Flanigan looks up at the mural he painted last year on the freshman wing of Clarke Central High School on March. 6. While constructing the mural, Flanigan gathered input from CCHS students which led to the mural's bright color palette. “It felt great when I was here doing the mural,” Flanigan said. “I do think it’s important for students to engage with artists, community-based artists especially.” Photo by Niles Flath
Local artist Broderick Flanigan spoke to CCHS students and staff in the CCHS Media Center on March. 6.
Broderick Flanigan, a 2002 Clarke Central High School alumnus, visited the CCHS Media Center on March. 6 to speak to students and staff about his journey as an artist.
Organized by CCHS media specialist Naomi Craver, the event began with fine arts department teacher Amanda Price introducing Flanigan who has become a local Athens artist and community leader since graduating from CCHS.
“I love Clarke Central (and) I love the things that are happening here,” Flanigan said. “(CCHS) has grown so much. This (Media Center) was not here while I was attending and (the school) almost feels like a college campus (now).”
Flanigan then led the crowd through a slideshow presentation covering his entire life, from his days in primary school to his current work as Executive Director of The Economic Justice Coalition. Flanigan initially thought he would hold a career in athletics. But he soon realized his true passion lay in the arts, and he began teaching himself how to use oil paints.
“No matter what neighborhood (or) background you have, hard work and consistency can (lead) you to success,” Flanigan said. “I hope (students) take some of these (ideas) away from my presentation today.”
Throughout his life, Flanigan has created many different works, including the “Hot Corner” mural in downtown Athens. For Ayari Briones-Ayala, a junior, Flanigan's humble beginnings were a source of inspiration.
“I’m an artist so (I’m) interested in art and learning more (about) how to give back to the community,” Briones-Ayala said. “I loved the story (about) how he got started. He didn’t exactly start doing art at first, but he learned along the way.”
Above: APPRECIATING ART: Clarke Central High School student Ayari Biones-Ayala, a junior, sits in the CCHS Media Center on March. 6. Biomes-Ayala attended the Broderick Flanigan Artist Visit and her appreciation for local art grew during the event. “I loved his work about murals,” Biomes-Ayala said. “I think that giving (students) knowledge about public art is important because everybody has creativity and I think they should be able to showcase it.” Photo by Niles Flath
After Flanigan’s presentation, the floor opened up for students to ask the artist questions. Flanigan finished the event by showing off some of his own work that he brought to share with the group.
“(Flanigan’s) work is really an inspiration for me,” Alistair Lemay, a sophomore, said. “Athens is a city built around art, infrastructure, and music (so) I think it’s important we include that within the school system.”
As Flanigan left his alma mater, he reflected on his own upbringing and how it has influenced the person he is today.
“Great things are possible no matter where you come from and I hope I inspired (students) to give back to the community in their own type of way,” Flanigan said. “I’m proud to be a Clarke Central graduate, and I’m excited about the future.”
Story by Niles Flath
Niles Flath is a sophomore at Clarke Central High School in Athens Georgia. She serves as Outreach Director for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. Flath hopes to make connections with creators both inside and outside the CCHS walls and showcase their work through the iliad program. In her free time, she likes playing tennis, swimming, and hanging out with friends.