Student Artists Molds Metal for Habitat for Humanity

Nicolet art instructor Patricia Leeson had a special assignment, and she needed a dependable, self-motivated student to complete the project on time and in style.

Immediately, she turned to Rachel Arnow.

“Rachel is a particular, perfectionist type of individual,” Leeson said of her four-year pupil. “Her craftsmanship is incredibly refined.”

Leeson challenged Arnow to create a decorative mailbox which would be auctioned off as part of the Habitat for Humanity “Mailbox Garden” fundraiser at Mayfair Mall.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that constructs affordable housing for the needy.

Nicolet was one of 12 high schools chosen to participate in the event, which ended with the auction on May 9. Most entries were simple, painted mailboxes, but Arnow’s submission went well beyond the basics.

Despite being relatively new to metal work, Arnow decided to adorn her mailbox with bugs, tall grass and various other spring-themed items, all sculpted from copper. She worked on the project for several hours every day for over a month, collecting a number of minor burns and drill-related injuries along the way.

“Everyone can paint a mailbox, I wanted to do something different,” she said.

Her risk was rewarded. Arnow’s mailbox fetched the highest bid—about $200, according to Leeson—at the Mayfair auction.

In addition to money raised for Habitat for Humanity, Nicolet’s art department received $500 and Arnow got a $500 gift card to the mall. Arnow said she didn’t know about either monetary prizes, but was simply honored to have her work recognized.

“I’m proud to have been trusted to represent Nicolet High in a non-school event,” she said.

She received an extra surprise when a Nicolet parent who had been outbid on the first place mailbox offered Arnow her first-ever commission to create a second, similarly styled box.

“It’s cool that somebody wanted my stuff,” Arnow said. “It made me feel really special.”

With some lessons learned from the first mailbox, Arnow said she completed the second in just two weeks. She plans to continue with metal working next year as a student at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.

During her time at Nicolet, Arnow’s artwork has won multiple awards. This year, she received for two drawings and one metal work teapot entitled “Commentary on the Value of Money.” She was also recognized by the Wisconsin Art Educators Association, Leeson said 

Arnow has also participated in the high school’s glee club, anime club and graphic design club. The art department, however, is where she’s always felt most at home.

Arnow said Ms. Leeson and Becky Schmidt, also a Nicolet art teacher, have become near family to her. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever had art teachers who helped me so much.”