The final brushstrokes dry and the sculptures find their places, transforming the hallways of Sacred Heart Greenwich into a gallery of creativity and talent. The community gathered April 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. to celebrate the All-School Art Show, showcasing student artistic journeys through an array of color and form. The annual show integrates the creative endeavors of Lower, Middle, and Upper School students, presenting a tapestry of themes including Landscapes, Portraits, Abstracts, Design, and Ceramics. The senior artists’ work in Advanced Placement (AP) revealed individuality and craftsmanship, intertwining through the two-dimensional artwork in drawing, painting, and photography, enriching the exhibition with elements of ceramics, fashion, and furniture design.
This year’s Art Show vibrantly demonstrated the community’s creativity, celebrating students’ artistic accomplishments at all levels. From the Lower School to the Upper School, the Art Show offered an engaging presentation of diverse expressions through line, shape, color, form, storytelling, and design, reflecting the skills of each student. Special features included the eighth-grade Capstone projects and the Class of 2024 AP Art Portfolios, which added depth and insight to the overall show.
Amidst the rich showcase of artistic talent, the Art Club organized a sale featuring a variety of student-made art and crafts. The club held the art sale to raise funds for arts programming and enrichment for families that might otherwise be unable to afford it. Last year, the art sale raised close to one thousand dollars, all of which went to Creative Art Works NYC. Students gain hands-on experience creating items to sell, while those who run the stand learn about advertising and selling their work. The sale presents a tangible opportunity for the Sacred Heart community to support student artists.
Seniors played a significant role in the preparation for the Art Show, as the exhibition showcased their year-long efforts in creating a unified portfolio of up to fifteen artworks connected by a central theme and media exploration. Each senior art student’s portfolio focuses on an individual conceptual inquiry, ranging from topics such as multicultural identity, conceptions of health and illness, environmental sustainability, relationships in a digital age, and the visualization of sound. The seniors remain immersed in their work, finalizing their pieces for their AP Art Portfolios and the exhibition, ensuring that all aspects were perfect for installation in the Gallery. Mrs. Marnie McLaughlin, Upper School Art Teacher, explained the process of selecting artwork for the show.
“I select one to three pieces that represent each student’s best work from throughout the year,” Mrs. McLaughlin said. “I look for artwork that is unique, expressive, and skillfully created, and also work that may not have been previously displayed. In addition to the artwork from the entire student body, each senior exhibits a series of up to six artworks from their portfolios, representing a culmination of their high school art experience. While the portfolios consist of artwork created this year, they have worked to develop their skill sets over the past four years.”
As an educator, Mrs. McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of student artists utilizing a variety of skills and techniques. She encourages an environment where students can freely express themselves through their artwork. Her approach empowers students to develop their unique styles and voices, resulting in pieces that are personal and proficient. She discussed the methods she uses to teach art while making the experience meaningful for each student.
“I introduce skills by demonstrating techniques and teaching about various artists who use those techniques,” Mrs. McLaughlin said. “One of the skills I emphasize is generating ideas for one’s artwork that have personal resonance. Ways that students develop their ideas include drawing from personal experiences and associations, brainstorming, experimenting in sketchbooks, and critiquing artwork with peers.”
Senior Lila O’Brien, AP Art and Design Student, has spent the past year creating several pieces for her portfolio, immersing herself in a variety of themes and techniques. Her artwork aims to provoke feelings that touch viewers, prompting them to reflect on life and death. Lila reflected on the journey of creating her portfolio with her passion for art.
“I love that through art, I am able to create something out of nothing and can manipulate it to be as abstract or realistic as I want,” Lila said. “This year in AP Art, I have chosen for my sustained investigation to research the spiritual connection between life and death. In my work, I hope to convey to myself and the viewer of my work, that even in the finality of death, there is a way to reconnect and feel close to loved ones.”
As Lila created new pieces throughout the year, she developed ideas and took new approaches to her artwork. Her passion for art is evident in her final and favorite creation of the year, a captivating charcoal piece of an owl. This piece is essential for her portfolio since it demonstrates her dedication to capturing the spirit of her subject and instilling sentimental value in her artwork. Lila described the process of crafting this piece.
“My favorite piece I have created this year is a charcoal depiction of an owl sitting on my bedside window,” Lila said. “I chose to do it in charcoal because that’s my favorite medium. I find it easy to work with, and it is fun to play with the perspective of light and add nuances. At first, it was a challenge to figure out how I wanted the owl to be positioned and Photoshop exactly what I had envisioned for the piece, but I am happy with how the composition turned out. I wanted it to tell a story and serve as the main connecting piece of my portfolio, as I have a personal connection to this piece, and I have been wanting to draw it for a long time.”
For Lila, art is not only a form of expression but also a way for her to feel connected to her loved ones. Art is a space where she enriches her life with the presence of those dear to her, learning to appreciate the process and beauty of creating art. Through her creations, she delves into shared memories and emotions, building a sense of intimacy and connection. Lila commented on her inspiration for curating artwork.
“My grandmother inspires me to create art. She taught me how to draw from a very young age and still paints to this day,” Lila said. “She has instilled in me a passion for both creating and viewing art.”
Lila’s reflection echoed Mrs. McLaughlin’s words, sharing that art provides a platform for students to interpret their experiences and share their unique viewpoints with others. The Art Show represents the culmination of students’ dedication to their creative endeavors, displaying their fervor for crafting individual pieces that resonate with themselves and the viewers. Mrs. McLaughlin emphasized the profound impact of art on students’ growth and development.
“Art gives students opportunities to process and express their experiences and share their unique perspectives,” Mrs. McLaughlin said. “Art class helps students to develop concentration, powers of observation, and hand-eye coordination, along with problem-solving and confidence in their skills. I hope that the work of students who’ve made a strong commitment to their creative practice will awe and inspire other aspiring artists in the community.”
Featured Image by Caitlin Leahy ’25
