Origins

In 1994, students in Mr. Knight’s first art class at HHS made a large sign to announce, "We are The Greatest Art Class in the Universe!" The sign still hangs prominently at the top of the 15 ft. north-faced wall of the classroom. It serves each day as a reminder of the performance level expected for both students and the instructor.

Defending the Title

Many of the students who have been part of Mr. Knight’s arts classes over the years have consistently won local and national awards, ranging from First Place at The Congressional High School Art Competition to Gold Key winners in the National Scholastic Magazine Art & Essay Awards.

We continually strive to provide a challenging, engaging, and positive learning environment that will evolve and improve.

For example, recently, the classroom was transformed into a state-of-the art multimedia theater. Thanks to AP funding and matching funds earned from student art contest winnings, new equipment was purchased, including one of the largest projected computer video screens in the district. The system incorporates sound and music through four surround-sound speakers.

Our current goal is to broaden the scope of this web site so it can be used as a learning tool, enhancing the traditional textbook and lecture curriculum. One of the benefits of the web site is it offers students a means to study both in class and at home. It also offers parents the opportunity to view assignments, goals, grading policy, and general expectations.

Fifteen Minutes for Everyone

Knight’s students have enjoyed having their art featured, not only in murals around the school and community, but also in local college art exhibitions, local art galleries and community spaces. Their work has been featured in various television shows, including news broadcasts and Bay Area programming, such as "Mornings on Two." His students and their accomplishments continue to be a focus for local newspapers.

The Creative Coach

Listed in Who's Who in America, Knight has taught art for over fifteen years. He has shown his work all over the country and has won numerous local and national awards for both his art and teaching. Teaching awards include Finalist in Bravo’s Start Smart Competition and National University Leadership Award. Art awards include the 1994 American Illustration Competition, Gold Award, and the Art of California magazine Discovery Award.
Knight has worked on a variety of art commissions, including Miller Freeman publications, Hewlett Packard and Mercury/ Def Jam Records. His work has been featured in dozens of publications, including Airbrush-Action magazine, Flex magazine, San Jose Mercury News, and the San Francisco Chronicle.