Lexington High School’s annual senior art show took place on May 12 in the LHS Library. This year’s show was the largest yet, displaying art created by 53 seniors, some of whom were AP Art students who presented and curated their own display in accordance with the National Art Standards. The pieces remained on display for a week.
The show is mostly prepared and run by seniors, which brings challenges such as navigating the seniors’ busy schedules. Despite the obstacles, the senior art show has continued to run for over eight years. Past locations of the show include LHS, LexArt, and even the Lexington Depot, providing many seniors with an opportunity to share their art.
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to choose what work they are most proud of and then put it on display and get feedback, support, and encouragement from their friends and from the public that attends the opening,” Ashley Grant, an AP Art and Painting teacher, said. Though the seniors in AP Art were required to participate, many others participated because they enjoyed taking a certain art class and wanted to showcase their work.
Students created art in all forms, from animations to ceramics to fashion designs. Some art pieces were made in art classes at LHS, while others were made independently. Every piece, however, was able to foster a connection between the students and the audience on a personal level.
“[The show] is an opportunity for us to see physical manifestations, visual manifestations of our shared experiences,” Alethea Roy, the K-12 coordinator for Art and Design teachers at LHS, said. “The students we have at LHS are incredibly thoughtful and create compelling pieces that are worth examining.”
Contrary to popular belief, many of the seniors are not headed to art school. Rather, they simply wanted to showcase the art they have poured so much time and effort into. Their effort did not go unnoticed, as teachers and other audiences alike have shown immense appreciation for their work.
“I want every student to be able to hear that we’re amazed by them,” Roy said.
Grant agreed that the show was a valuable opportunity for seniors to be recognized and encouraged by staff and students attendees.
“It’s important for students to get feedback from other people, seeing their work and the validation and acknowledgment that their work is important and has value,” Grant said.
Ultimately, the senior art show is a great way for underclassmen to explore opportunities in the LHS Art Department if they are unsure about what content an art course at LHS may explore. The pieces on display provide a unique mosaic of student creative expression for others to examine.
“It’s a good opportunity for students who are not seniors to see what they can do; to see what is available in other classes, [and] what they might be able to learn,” Roy said.
