Featured Story
A Shout Out to the Artists Among Us
The Arts are an essential part of life on the St. Luke’s Hilltop. We have the Music and Theatre Arts departments to thank for giving us a greater appreciation for music and theatre with their incredible concert and theatrical performances. However, perhaps without realizing it, we all benefit from our daily exposure to the visually art-rich environment created by the St. Luke’s Visual Arts department and art students. Numerous scientific studies show that engaging with art does a heart and body good—among other benefits, making and appreciating visual art can lower stress, boost our brain health, and make us more resilient. Exposure to visual arts also inspires reflection, innovation, and can be a catalyst for social change. And at St. Luke’s, the beautiful art found in literally all of our communal spaces connects us as we celebrate our students’ artistic talents.
In direct contrast to the cold and grey outside our windows, the outstanding work shared by St. Luke’s art students creates a warm, colorful, vibrant environment for the St. Luke’s community to enjoy. Starting with the annual Winter Art Show that began in early December, new works of art are continually being added to communal areas of the main building, including the Fireplace Commons, front lobby and hallways on all floors. Every student participating in an art class will exhibit at various times throughout the year. St. Luke’s Art Department goes to great lengths to share the exploration of ideas, materials, and mediums experienced and utilized by St. Luke’s art students.
Art Department Chair Susan Cole believes exhibiting one’s work is essential: “Sharing artworks with the community validates and celebrates the process of visual creation. It opens a dialogue between artist and viewer. Many students report back to their art classes that a teacher, administrator, fellow student, or member of the kitchen staff or facilities loved their work, and wanted to talk with them about it! Some students have had offers from viewers who wanted to buy their work.”
St. Luke’s now looks forward to several Visual Arts events that will take place this spring, including Visual Arts Week, the Spring Art Show that will open the week of SpringFest 2016, and the Senior Solo Art Shows will be displayed starting April 15.
Thank you to all of St. Luke’s artists who brighten our hallways and gathering spaces with color, texture and creativity.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
