On Sat. Jan. 25, the inaugural Art Walk Festival will take place, transforming the campus into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community. Expanding on the traditional bi-annual Art Walk—a showcase of Upper School visual arts – this reinvented event will feature contributions from students across grades 1-12, alumni, and parents, blending visual and performing arts in an all-day festival completely open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Art Department Chair and alumna, Stacey Goldman, who created the original Art Walk, shared her excitement about this year’s expansion.
“The idea was to bring everyone together, from current students to alumni and parents, and create an open space to celebrate art in all its forms. It’s free, open to the public, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Goldman said.

The Art Walk Festival will feature visual art installations, many of which are contemporary, group-oriented projects that allow entire classes to unify their creativity. Some standouts are the ceramics installations “The Color of Tea,” and “Thought Wave,” an intriguing raw clay installation. Lower school students will also have their dedicated exhibition space in the atrium.

Performing arts are well-represented, with music, theatre, and dance performances scheduled throughout the day, including appearances by the Middle School and Upper School Jazz Bands, the Upper School String Ensemble, and the Upper School Vocal Ensemble. Younger students will take the stage as well, with a fourth-grade music performance adding to the day’s diversity. Additionally, visitors can participate in interactive activities such as a drum circle and hands-on activities.

A highlight of the festival is the Alumni and Parent Art Gallery in the New Academic Building, featuring work from talented alumni, including Vic Garcia ’08, the 2025 Featured Alumni Artist. Garcia’s artwork will also be the festival’s limited edition sweatshirt.

The Alumni Council, which aims to make Art Walk a more inclusive, community-centered event, has proposed the expanded festival. Ceramics teacher Joseph Golinski cannot wait.

“We’re going all out this year. It’s a great event with so many cool things happening, from installations to performances across many disciplines. It truly embodies the spirit of creativity and collaboration,” Golinski said.

Throughout the day, attendees can explore the Marketplace, featuring student-made crafts, and enjoy food trucks and concessions. From morning coffee at the new Raider Café to afternoon performances and the Color Run, the festival promises a full day of entertainment.

“There’s nothing else like this. It’s a chance for all of us to share what we’ve created and connect with the community in a really special way,” sophomore Foundations of Art and Design Accelerated Honors student Angelina Zapater said.