It was a wonderful week celebrating art and music on campus in our annual Spring Arts Festival! Though it has been two years since we have been able to host this event, we more than made up for with all the beautiful displays of talent and community. It was practically perfect in every way!

Under spectacularly blue skies, piano music wafted softly over the quad throughout the day as students would stop to play on one of the outdoor pianos their way to class. They would gather around tables to doodle or pick up sidewalk chalk to create the most colorful flowers, rainbows, and abstract designs. It was one of those weeks that was just good for your soul.

On Monday, we had visiting alumni artists stationed throughout the Quad drawing or painting or sculpting the Bell Tower. Sally Bradley (’86), Helen Brooks (’92), Lulie Wallace (’05), Libbie Rothschild (’08) visited with students, answered questions, and took time out of their day to allow our students to get a glimpse of creative minds at work. We are so grateful for their time and their willingness to share their talents.

On Tuesday, we devoted the day to music with student performers singing or playing in the Quad throughout the day. From soloists, to ensembles, to our ukulele classes, the sound of music was a gift to all. A special thank you to a special guest conductor for the 6th grade choir, Dr. Michelle Folta. Dr. Folta is an associate professor of choral/general music education at Columbus State University and the artistic director for the Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus.

The highlight, however, was perhaps our lunch on the Quad, when the campus took on the feel of an actual music festival. Our very own Mr. Andrew Stubbs, guitar and ukulele teacher and Middle School soccer coach, took to the stage with his band, Kingslayer. As students enjoyed a picnic lunch outside with hotdogs and hamburgers, Kingslayer took to the stage with an all out rock concert! It was incredible!

On Wednesday, Glass Artist Kelly Robertson and Potter Carey Slay will be on campus demonstrating how artists use glass and clay to create works of art.  Kelly amazed viewers as he forms 2000°F hot glowing glass into a dazzling work of art. Carey used a pottery wheel and her hands to turn a seemingly ordinary lump of clay into unbelievably beautiful creations. Their talent is simply amazing.

Overall, it was one of the most favorite weeks of the year! After a very long two year absence, it was simply marvelous to be celebrate the arts in appropriate fashion! We can’t wait until next year!